Clogherhead and Kilkeel RNLI were requested to launch their all-weather and inshore lifeboats this afternoon after a windsurfer was reported missing in Carlingford Lough.
The lifeboats were requested to launch just before 2pm following an initial report that a person was missing in the water off Killowen Point. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin was also tasked along with Kilkeel Coastguard and Greenore Coast Guard.
There was a Force Seven westerly wind at the time with moderate to rough seas.
Arriving on scene, Clogherhead RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat under Coxswain Declan Clinton and with four crew onboard, began a search on request from the mouth of Carlingford Lough up towards Greenore and Greencastle. During the search, Kilkeel RNLI’s inshore lifeboat crew located a sailboard.
Meanwhile, the windsurfer managed to swim safely to shore on the north side of Carlingford and subsequently alerted the emergency services that he was safe. The casualty had got into difficulty when he was knocked off his sailboard. Due to the tides in the lough at the time, the sailboard was taken away faster than the casualty could swim to it, and he made the decision to swim to shore instead. On the shore, Kilkeel Coastguard assessed the casualty to ensure he was safe and well.
Speaking following the call out, Clogherhead RNLI mechanic Padraig Rath said: ‘The windsurfer did all the right things when he found himself in difficulty and we were delighted to hear he made it to shore safely. This was a multi-agency response today and we would like to commend our colleagues in the various other agencies as well as our own volunteers for their inter-agency teamwork.
‘We would encourage windsurfers to always carry a means of calling for help and to consider wearing a personal locator beacon especially if windsurfing alone. Always tell someone else where you are going and when you are due back. Always wear a personal floatation device and never sail out further than you can swim back.’