A teenager has been rescued after the unicorn inflatable he was on drifted half a mile off the Co Down shore.
An RNLI crew at Portaferry launched after a member of the public reported their concern about the person who was drifting close to the mouth of Strangford Lough.
They were picked up at Angus Rock which sits at the midpoint of the Lough mouth, south east of Kilclief and west of the southern most tip on the Ards Peninsula.
Read more: Dangerous Lions Mane jellyfish spotted on Irish coasts as local councils issue warning
A Portaferry RNLI spokesman told Belfast Live the teenager was rescued after he drifted more than half a mile out to sea on an inflatable on Tuesday (August 2) afternoon.
They added: “Portaferry RNLI’s volunteer crew launched the inshore lifeboat promptly at 3.45pm and made their way to Killard Point in Strangford Lough. The crew launched in good weather conditions with excellent visibility, a calm sea state and a Force Three westerly wind.
“When on scene at 3.50pm, the crew faced Force Three, excellent visibility and a calm sea state. The crew launched to reports of a teenager that had drifted off shore at Killard Point on an inflatable. The alarm was raised by members of the public who were concerned and contacted Belfast Coastguard.
“When the lifeboat crew located the casualty at Angus Rock within Strangford Lough, they immediately set about bringing the teenager onboard the lifeboat whilst checking him over for any injuries. The casualty was safe and well. The crew then proceeded back to Kilclief beach and transferred the casualty back into the care of his family.”
Commenting on the call out, Portaferry RNLI Helm Ian Sands said: “We were glad to rescue the casualty this afternoon and bring him to safety. The casualty did the right thing by staying with the inflatable until help arrived. It is important to note that while inflatables can be fun, they are not designed for the beach where they can be easily blown offshore.”
READ NEXT:
-
Sea swimmer rescued after getting into difficulty in Co Down
-
RNLI warning after 11-year-old rescued more than a mile out to sea
-
NI lifeboat crews rescue rowers after galeforce seas batter GB Row Challenge
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
