Portrush RNLI launch to surfers in difficulty at East Strand

Portrush RNLI rescued two surfers who got into difficulty while surfing at the East Strand today.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by Belfast Coastguard at 1.19 pm following a number of 999 calls to both the Coastguard and the Lifeboat Station.

The lifeboat launched at 1.27pm and arrived on scene at 1.31 under helm Ben Wilson, and with volunteer crew members Christy Bradley and Daniel Thorne both on board.

Weather conditions were fair, and visibility were good. The two surfers had got caught in a rip and despite repeated attempts to get back into shore they realised that they couldn’t get back to shore as they were becoming very tired. They attracted the attention of a number on-lookers who dialled 999.

Beni McAllister Lifeboat Operations Manager at Portrush RNLI Station said.

‘Surfing during lockdown has become extremely popular on both our beaches here in Portrush and it is a great pastime both mentally and physically. However, rip tides can be treacherous, and we would ask people to take care and check on conditions before entering the water. These two surfers did the right thing in alerting onlookers and we are relieved that people reacted very quickly and dialled 999, which allowed us to get onto scene very quickly. Remember if you see someone in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

The ILB got the two surfers into the Lifeboat and took them back to Portrush Harbour and handed them into the care of the Coastguard.

Ends

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