Eight kayakers have been rescued in a multi-agency operation at Strangford Lough today.
Two helicopters, as well as a large number of emergency personnel, were involved in the effort to get everyone to safety.
The operation swung into action at around 10.30am in water off Killyleagh, Co Down . Two of the eight kayakers had to be airlifted to safety while the other six were brought to shore by boat.
Details are unclear, however it is understood at least some of the kayakers got into difficulty before ending up on Don O’Neill Island while others made it to Island Taggart.
Coastguard rescue teams were involved in the operation as well as the Ambulance Service’s HEMS helicopter, four crews, a rapid response vehicle and a HART (Hazardous Area Response Team) officer. The RNLI also swung into action amid reports that the kayakers had ended up in the water.
It is understood conditions on the water were a “bit windy and choppy”.
In a post on their Facebook page, the Coastguard Operations Centre said they had responded to “a report of eight kayakers in difficultly just off Killyleagh”.
They added: “We tasked Bangor & Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter as well as requesting the launch of Portaferry RNLI lifeboat.
“Northern Ireland Ambulance Service sent multiple crews including the Air Ambulance and the Hazardous Area Response Team. Six kayakers were brought ashore by lifeboat and two by helicopter. All were checked by paramedics and the doctor were given the all clear.”
