Menu
16/08/2002
Holidaying families survive freak wave
Two families, nine children and an adult, have had a lucky escape after a freak wave almost swept them all into the sea off the Giant's Causeway.
The two families, the Macrorys from Londonderry and the Humpreys from Cheshire, were walking over rocks near to the sea on a visit to the North Coast's popular tourist attraction on Thursday afternoon when the huge wave washed over the rocks. The wave knocked them all off their feet as the backwash threatened to suck them off the rocks into deeper water.
The children described how they slid and tumbled over rocks pushed along by the force of the torrent of water.
A man whose own children were also hit by the wave helped to save the children aged from four to 13.
The incident was dramatically caught on videotape by Drew Macrory, the father of one of the sets of cousins involved. Later, describing his initial disbelief at the "surreal" incident that unfolded as he videoed, Mr Macrory admitted that the seriousness of the experience soon hit home.
The children and one of the adults suffered cuts, bruises and water inhalation but after receiving treatment in hospital were later discharged.
Sea conditions at the time were said to be moderate and the incident has been put down to a rogue wave.
Holidaymakers have been warned to take care when close to the sea especially when on exposed rocks near wave height.
(SP)
The two families, the Macrorys from Londonderry and the Humpreys from Cheshire, were walking over rocks near to the sea on a visit to the North Coast's popular tourist attraction on Thursday afternoon when the huge wave washed over the rocks. The wave knocked them all off their feet as the backwash threatened to suck them off the rocks into deeper water.
The children described how they slid and tumbled over rocks pushed along by the force of the torrent of water.
A man whose own children were also hit by the wave helped to save the children aged from four to 13.
The incident was dramatically caught on videotape by Drew Macrory, the father of one of the sets of cousins involved. Later, describing his initial disbelief at the "surreal" incident that unfolded as he videoed, Mr Macrory admitted that the seriousness of the experience soon hit home.
The children and one of the adults suffered cuts, bruises and water inhalation but after receiving treatment in hospital were later discharged.
Sea conditions at the time were said to be moderate and the incident has been put down to a rogue wave.
Holidaymakers have been warned to take care when close to the sea especially when on exposed rocks near wave height.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
18 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
15 November 2024
Arson Attack On 5G Mast In West Belfast
Detectives in Belfast are investigating a suspected arson attack on a 5G mast in the Andersonstown Road area. The incident occurred around 9.55pm on Wednesday, November 13th. Detective Sergeant Faulkner confirmed that officers attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who successfully extinguished the blaze.
Arson Attack On 5G Mast In West Belfast
Detectives in Belfast are investigating a suspected arson attack on a 5G mast in the Andersonstown Road area. The incident occurred around 9.55pm on Wednesday, November 13th. Detective Sergeant Faulkner confirmed that officers attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who successfully extinguished the blaze.
21 November 2019
42 Jobs As New Co Down Distillery Announced
A well-known businessman in Northern Ireland is set to open a whiskey and gin distillery that will create 42 jobs in Co Down. The £15 million distillery and visitor experience will be located between Belfast and Ballynahinch and will boast a food and beverage and retail offering, providing Northern Ireland with an authentic spirit experience.
42 Jobs As New Co Down Distillery Announced
A well-known businessman in Northern Ireland is set to open a whiskey and gin distillery that will create 42 jobs in Co Down. The £15 million distillery and visitor experience will be located between Belfast and Ballynahinch and will boast a food and beverage and retail offering, providing Northern Ireland with an authentic spirit experience.
12 February 2009
Queen's Powers Forward With Wave Technology
Northern Ireland's ability to generate more wave-generated power has been boosted by students at Queen's University. The university and Aquamarine Power Limited, a leading marine energy company, have agreed a new five year research partnership which will develop the next generation hydro-electric wave power converter.
Queen's Powers Forward With Wave Technology
Northern Ireland's ability to generate more wave-generated power has been boosted by students at Queen's University. The university and Aquamarine Power Limited, a leading marine energy company, have agreed a new five year research partnership which will develop the next generation hydro-electric wave power converter.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
