Surfers rescued off Portrush

Two young children and a man had to be rescued from the sea off Portrush after getting into difficulties while surfing on Thursday.

The three were recovered by Portrush Inshore Lifeboat in a resue operation co-ordinated by Coleraine Coastguard.

Minutes later in a similar incident another surfer got into difficulties and was brought ashore by fellow surfers. In a third incident in the same area involved a capsized canoe.

Coastguard have warned that off the Blackrocks there are strong rip currents, that are often used by experienced surfers, but that could be a deathtrap for inexperienced swimmers.

Some forty-five minutes later Coastguard received a report of a woman in a precarious position east of the Giant's Causeway.

Coleraine Coastguard carried out a search from the Causeway eastwards to Dunseverick Castle. This search was assisted by a Police helicopter. Some two hours later the search was terminated with no sightings of anyone in difficulty.

The lady was reported to be wearing a red and white top with red three-quarter length trousers, white trainers and possibly a baseball cap. Coastguards would like this lady to come forward and let them know that she is safe and well.

Half an hour later as the team was returning to its base, a 999 report was received of a person in the water at Portrush Harbour so off they set again.

Belfast Coastguard Watch Manager Diana Gadd said: "Thankfully none of today's incidents resulted in loss of life or serious injury and tribute must be paid to the dedication of our Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Team."

(SP)