Paddleboarders blown out to sea at Mermaid’s Cove
TWO paddleboarders who were blown out to sea off Mermaid’s Cove near Mullaghmore on Tuesday evening were brought to safety by RNLI volunteers.
The crew of Bundoran RNLI launched in response to reports that two paddle boarders were being blown out to sea off Mermaid’s Cove.
The Sligo-based Rescue 118 helicopter was also tasked.
The lifeboat crew assisted the two paddle boarders back to the shore and they were then assessed by the on-board casualty carer. It’s understood both paddle boarders were none the worse for their ordeal.
Bundoran RNLI said the 999 call was made to Malin Head Coast Guard just after 6pm who immediately paged the Bundoran RNLI volunteers. At 6.11pm, the Bundoran Lifeboat ‘William Henry Liddington’ set off for the scene with four crew on board and made their way to Mermaid’s Cove, arriving less than 10 minutes later.
On arrival, two lifeboat crew members helped the two paddleboarders back to the shore. They were then assessed by the on-board casualty carer. On return to the station, helm Brian Gillespie said: “We were glad to be able to bring the paddle boarders back to safety and the person on the shore called 999 when they did.
“We would always remind people that if they see anyone in trouble on the coast to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. We ask for paddle boarders to be mindful of offshore winds which can catch people out very easily.”