Two kayakers who went missing off the west coast of Donegal have been found safe following two separate searches.
There was a positive outcome to both incidents which involved multiple teams including the Coast Guard, RNLI, and local volunteers.
The first emergency call came after 10am this morning. A kayaker was reported missing off the coast of Glen Head.
The Rescue 118 helicopter was dispatched to the area as well as Arranmore RNLI, which launched at 10.42am. Just minutes into the launch, the lifeboat crew were informed that the kayaker had been found.
However, rescue crews were then asked to proceed to the Portnoo area where there were further reports of another missing kayaker.
On arrival at the Portnoo area, the volunteer lifeboat crew mapped out a search area and located the kayaker just off Dawross Head near Portnoo.
Coxswain Sean O’Donnell said “We are really pleased that both kayakers are safe and well”.
Sean has recently passed out as coxswain of the Arranmore RNLI and this is only the second call out he has been in charge of the lifeboat. His first call was for a medical evacuation from Arranmore to Burtonport and today’s call out is the first to an emergency at sea.
He said: “It was a privilege to take charge of the lifeboat today, sea conditions were calm and the outcome was the best. As the weather gets warmer more people use the sea for recreation and work and we ask that all those going to sea avail of the RNLI’s safety message.”
