False alarm: multi-agency search for paddleboarder

Three RNLI lifeboats from Bangor, Donaghadee and Larne were involved in a multi-agency search for a paddleboarder on Friday which turned out to be a false alarm. Two Coastguard helicopters, Lagan Search and Rescue, PSNI Lifeboat and local Coastguard Rescue Teams were also involved in the search.

After reports that a paddleboarder was overdue at Helen’s Bay, Belfast Coastguard requested the volunteer crew members from Bangor inshore lifeboat to launch at 3:43pm followed by the two all-weather lifeboats from Donaghadee and Larne at 4:24pm.

The visibility was good although the light was fading, but conditions were challenging out at sea with a west to north-west wind force 6-8 at times.

The search teams were stood down just before 6pm when they were notified that the suspected casualty was safe and well.

“We were relieved to hear that this was a false alarm with good intent, that the paddleboarder had been located and was not in any danger,” comments Margaret Ramm, Donaghadee Lifeboat press officer. “Conditions today were challenging enough and if there had been a person in the water, time really was of the essence in order to prevent loss of life.

“Always contact the emergency services as early as possible if you are worried. As always, we recommend checking sea conditions and wind direction before going into the sea and carrying a means of contacting shore and being aware of your own capabilities.”