Belfast Coastguard received the initial call from a concerned member of public who had observed a young girl standing on an outcrop of rocks and in distress.
Immediately on receiving this call, Belfast Coastguard requested RNLI Bangor Lifeboat to launch and proceed with utmost haste to Cove Bay which is on the southern shores of Belfast Lough.
Within minutes of the rescue pagers being activated, volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew had assembled and launched the lifeboat.
Upon arrival at Cove Bay, lifeboat crew quickly evaluated the situation. With waves breaking around the knees of the frightened child it was paramount that she be brought ashore as quickly as possible.
The lifeboat was manoeuvred close to the rock ledge and the child was plucked to safety.
The young girl was brought ashore at Groomsport Harbour and was given into the care of waiting paramedics
Dr Iain Dobie a, RNLI volunteer crewman involved in this rescue said 'Large swells created by passing fast ferries and large boats could have swept this young girl from the rocks. When exploring rock pools and the foreshore please take a minute and think about rising tides and large swells'. He added 'We're very happy that the young girl is now safely ashore'
