Four Rescued when Canoes Capsize in Lough Neagh

Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Posted 17:11 GMT

Belfast Coastguard have been co-ordinating the rescue this afternoon of four people in the water after their two canoes were swamped. The unfolding incident was reported to the marine emergency service by one of the canoeists.

The incident, at just before 1.00 pm this afternoon occurred near West Rams Island on Lough Neagh. The individuals, all men, told the Coastguard that they were all wearing lifejackets and wet suits.

Kinnego Coastguard Rescue Team were sent to the scene and the Kinnego and Ardboe inshore rescue boats were immediately requested to launch.

By 1.20 pm all the men had been recovered from the water, and they plus their canoes were also recovered by a sand barge William James who then transferred the canoeists to the inshore rescue boats and they took them back to Sandy Bay. An ambulance was called as one of the men was suffering from hypothermia, and he was treated on scene.

Alan Pritchard, Watch Manager at Belfast Coastguard said

Fortunately these individuals who, we understand, were actively partaking in a Duke of Edinburghs Award Scheme were all wearing lifejackets. Accidents happen: a lifejacket will buy you vital time in the water and could save your life, but only if youre wearing it. Last year 11 recreational boaters could have been saved if they had been wearing lifejackets. Make sure that you wear yours.

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401