A heroic lifeboat crew raced to rescue a kitesurfer who got into difficulty near a north Dublin beach this morning.
The Howth RNLI launched their Inshore Lifeboat after a number of emergency calls were made by members of the public informing them the kitesurfer was in difficulty in waters off Portmarnock Beach.
The RNLI pagers sounded at 11:40am and the lifeboat was launched 12 minutes later.
The wind was Force 5 and the sea state was rough but the crew were quickly able to get to the casualty 200 metres off the coast.
Howth Coastguard also pitched in to help as the casualty was taken aboard the lifeboat.
The casualty was checked over and was described as being in good spirits after being unharmed in the incident.
Speaking after the call out, Colm Newport, Howth RNLI LOM said: "We were delighted to assist the kitesurfer after they found themselves in difficulty.
"The members of the public on the beach had quickly radioed for assistance which was the correct thing to do and we were able to launch and bring the kitesurfer to safety."
