Lough Swilly RNLI responds following concern over kayakers off Inch Island

The Lough Swilly RNLI responded to a call for assistance last Tuesday night after a group of Kayakers got into difficulty near Inch Island. 

A member of the public reported concern over three people on an inflatable kayak to the Coast Guard, who appeared to be struggling in the water. Following the call for assistance, Malin Head Coastguard dispatched Lough Swilly RNLI at 9:21pm to launch their inshore lifeboat to the group at Millbay, at the back of Inch Island.

The RNLI volunteers were fortunately able to launch swiftly as they were already attending a meeting at the station when they were dispatched. 

The crew was quickly on the scene, where they found that the individuals had managed to reach shore safely without their assistance.

After checking on the welfare of the group and confirming all was well, the Atlantic 85 lifeboat returned to Ned’s Point to refuel and make ready for service again. 

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Joe Joyce from Lough Swilly RNLI praised the vigilance of the caller who suspected the Kayakers were in difficulty. “I would like to publicly thank the member of the public who contacted the Coast Guard. We would always rather respond and find everything is okay than risk a situation escalating into something more serious.”

The RNLI wishes to remind the public that if you find yourself in difficulty on or near the water—or if you see someone in trouble—dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.