Six paddleboarders were rescued off the coast of Donegal yesterday.
Members of the Bundoran RNLI were out on routine patrol when the emergency happened just after midday.
Lifeboat crew Rory O’Connor, Shane O’Neill, Finn Mullen and Fergal Muller were carrying out a routine training exercise at approximately 12.30pm when the Irish Coast Guard requested them to go to the aid of six stand-up paddleboarders who were in difficulty.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118 from Sligo was also tasked.
Helm Rory O’Connor immediately diverted the lifeboat to the scene where the helicopter crew had located the casualties one nautical mile north-north west from Carrickfad Rocks in Rossnowlagh.
The crew observed two adults and four children on inflatable paddleboards which had got caught in an easterly offshore wind which was drifting the group further out to sea.
One of the six had managed to raise the alarm using their mobile phone which they had stored in a waterproof pouch.
The lifeboat crew took all six onboard and brought them to Creevy Pier where they were checked over as precautionary measure but found to be safe and well and no further medical assistance was required.
Speaking following the call out, Bundoran RNLI Helm Rory O’Connor said: ‘This is a great example of where carrying a suitable means of communication for your activity can make a lifesaving difference.
“One of today’s group had done this by wearing a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch which enabled them to raise the alarm when they knew they were in difficulty.
‘We would encourage anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for their activity.
“Check the weather conditions before venturing out and carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
