Bangor Coastguard have issued a stark warning after being called to an incident where a surfer was riding the waves 'dangerously close' to a superfast ferry.
The team were tasked to the Holywood area on Monday following reports of a lone surfer being dangerously close to the Stena superfast ferry.
The ferry did use its horn to warn the surfer about how close they were to the vessel and also alerted Belfast Coastguard.
The lifeboat was tasked but was stood down en route as the surfer managed to paddle his way back to shore.
Explaining the situation, the Coastguard team say they had to warn the surfer of the dangers of his actions after he confirmed he was intentionally surfing close to the ferry.
A Bangor Coastguard spokesperson said: "Once on scene the team located the casualty and kept eyes on. The casualty managed to paddle his way back to shore in Holywood. Bangor Lifeboat was also tasked to the incident and was stood down on route. After speaking with the [individual concerned] it was confirmed he was intending to surf the wash from the superfast inbound to Belfast.
"The team warned of the dangers of being to close to such large vessels and about the dangers of being in the shipping lane."
Sharing their shock at the incident, Bangor RNLI said they were 'lost for words' following the surfer's actions.
They posted: "Bangor RNLI is speechless. Riding the surf of the Stena ferry in the shipping lane - who could have imagined there was anything wrong with that plan?"
