Three people were rescued by the RNLI yesterday afternoon after their inflatable dinghies were swept out to sea off the Co Antrim coast.
Red Bay RNLI were requested to launch both their all-weather and inshore lifeboats at 2.22pm on Wednesday, August 3, by Belfast Coastguard. It came after the group raised the alarm that their three inflatable dinghies had become swamped with water at sea near Cushendall.
Weather conditions were good at the time with calm seas, but there was a Force 4 offshore wind blowing.
Read more: Teen on inflatable unicorn rescued after drifting off shore in Strangford Lough
The all-weather lifeboat launched under Coxswain Paddy McLaughlin and four crew members onboard at 2.28pm, along with the inshore lifeboat helmed by Gary Fyfe and three crew members onboard.
With the exact location unknown, the lifeboats started an immediate search of the area, with the inshore lifeboat crew locating the three casualties on the swamped inflatables two miles east of Cushendall.
The casualties were wet, cold and shaken from their experience. The crew worked to safely transfer them and the dinghies onto the all-weather lifeboat, where they were then brought ashore.
Speaking following the rescue, Red Bay RNLI Helm Gary Fyfe said: "Time was of the essence this afternoon and thankfully, the group had a means of communication to raise the alarm when they knew they were in difficulty. This meant we could get locate and rescue them quickly before they were in any greater danger.
"We know inflatables can be fun, but we would encourage people to remember that they are designed for pools and not the beach where they can be easily swept out to sea, particularly in offshore winds like today. If you do bring an inflatable to the beach, make sure you choose a lifeguard beach and use it close to the shore and between the red and yellow flags.
"Make sure children are supervised and never use an inflatable in big waves or when the orange windsock is flying. If you do get into trouble or see someone else in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."
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