Menu
08/07/2009
Six 'Lucky To Be Alive' In Lough Drama
A 12-year-old was among six youths who were last night rescued from a Belfast Lough after a prank went disastrously wrong.
It also emerged today that two were 16, while the others were 18-years-old.
The six young people drifted out onto Belfast Lough on a makeshift polystyrene raft and were this morning said to be "very lucky to be alive".
According to Belfast Coastguard Alan Pritchard they had been in "very real danger".
Bangor RNLI Inshore Lifeboat and Portmuck Coastguard were alerted to the incident along with a pilot boat and a police helicopter, (pictured).
The Irish Coastguard helicopter was also alerted.
The youths had assembled a makeshift raft from timber adding builders' polystyrene blocks, all nailed together and were attempting to cross Belfast Lough.
However, they began to drift rapidly due to the breeze and got into difficulty at about 8.30pm on Tuesday evening.
Soon afterwards the coastguard received numerous 999 calls from members of the public and a major rescue operation swung into operation.
At its height, three boats, two helicopters and a passing surfer all helped rescue the young people.
It was centered around the shore at Whiteabbey and a member of the public - who happened to be a surfer - at one stage left his car to getting into the water and paddle out about a mile.
By this stage, they were in the vicinity of the shipping lane: "The shipping lane is a busy area and obviously the depth of water and the temperature of the water could have led to six fatalities," said Mr Pritchard.
"At the time they would have been extremely frightened," the coastguard explained.
"Three had to be taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment for mild hypothermia," he said, noting how lucky the six youths were as they were in great danger.
There was also drama off the Co Down coast yesterday.
A yachtsman had to be rescued after getting into difficulties in Strangford Lough.
The man raised the alarm after his engine failed in stormy seas just north of Cloghy Rocks on Tuesday afternoon.
Portaferry lifeboat answered the distress call and towed the stricken vessel to safety at Portaferry marina.
(BMcC/JM)
It also emerged today that two were 16, while the others were 18-years-old.
The six young people drifted out onto Belfast Lough on a makeshift polystyrene raft and were this morning said to be "very lucky to be alive".
According to Belfast Coastguard Alan Pritchard they had been in "very real danger".
Bangor RNLI Inshore Lifeboat and Portmuck Coastguard were alerted to the incident along with a pilot boat and a police helicopter, (pictured).
The Irish Coastguard helicopter was also alerted.
The youths had assembled a makeshift raft from timber adding builders' polystyrene blocks, all nailed together and were attempting to cross Belfast Lough.
However, they began to drift rapidly due to the breeze and got into difficulty at about 8.30pm on Tuesday evening.
Soon afterwards the coastguard received numerous 999 calls from members of the public and a major rescue operation swung into operation.
At its height, three boats, two helicopters and a passing surfer all helped rescue the young people.
It was centered around the shore at Whiteabbey and a member of the public - who happened to be a surfer - at one stage left his car to getting into the water and paddle out about a mile.
By this stage, they were in the vicinity of the shipping lane: "The shipping lane is a busy area and obviously the depth of water and the temperature of the water could have led to six fatalities," said Mr Pritchard.
"At the time they would have been extremely frightened," the coastguard explained.
"Three had to be taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment for mild hypothermia," he said, noting how lucky the six youths were as they were in great danger.
There was also drama off the Co Down coast yesterday.
A yachtsman had to be rescued after getting into difficulties in Strangford Lough.
The man raised the alarm after his engine failed in stormy seas just north of Cloghy Rocks on Tuesday afternoon.
Portaferry lifeboat answered the distress call and towed the stricken vessel to safety at Portaferry marina.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 November 2004
Search for fisherman resumes on Lough Erne
The search for a missing fisherman has resumed today on Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. The missing man, reported to be a father of three, is understood to be an experienced fisherman and was wearing a lifejacket when he was last seen. Coastguard hope that he has found shelter on shore.
Search for fisherman resumes on Lough Erne
The search for a missing fisherman has resumed today on Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. The missing man, reported to be a father of three, is understood to be an experienced fisherman and was wearing a lifejacket when he was last seen. Coastguard hope that he has found shelter on shore.
23 August 2006
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
01 August 2013
17 Rescued From Lough Neagh
17 people have been rescued from Lough Neagh after their canoes came into difficulty while on the water. Two adults and a group of young people, some of whom were as young as 14, were rescued on Wednesday evening. An alert was raised near Ardboe in County Tyrone. Lifeboats, an ambulance and a police helicopter attended the scene.
17 Rescued From Lough Neagh
17 people have been rescued from Lough Neagh after their canoes came into difficulty while on the water. Two adults and a group of young people, some of whom were as young as 14, were rescued on Wednesday evening. An alert was raised near Ardboe in County Tyrone. Lifeboats, an ambulance and a police helicopter attended the scene.
13 July 2006
Four rescued from blazing motorcruiser
Three adults and a child have been rescued from a blazing motorcruiser on Lough Erne, County Fermanagh. Coastguard were called to Upper Lough at Carrybridge, after receiving reports of a fire on a boat shortly after 8pm last night.
Four rescued from blazing motorcruiser
Three adults and a child have been rescued from a blazing motorcruiser on Lough Erne, County Fermanagh. Coastguard were called to Upper Lough at Carrybridge, after receiving reports of a fire on a boat shortly after 8pm last night.
28 March 2024
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
