Kite-Surfers in difficulity

Doolin Coast Guard were tasked today at 15.10 by MRSC Valentia to assist in the search and rescue of two kite-surfers who had got into difficulty in Liscannor bay.

The kite-surfers were surfing near the Bartrá area when they had difficulty with their rigs in high winds & rough seas.

With conditions quickly deteriorating, the kite-surfers had several failed attempts to fly their kites & with the prevailing weather were quickly taken further out to sea and across Liscannor bay to the Inagh Estuary area.

The Doolin Coast Guard Delta boat was transported by road for launching at Liscannor Harbour and the Shannon based Coast Guard Rescue helicopter also joined the search.The Aran Islands lifeboat (   RNLI.org.uk ) was also tasked by MRSC Valentia to assist.

In a period of 30-40 minuets, with strong a south-westerly wind and an ebb tide,  the pair of kitesurfers had drifted across the bay for 2.5 kilometres when they got onto the beach near the estuary.

Although fatigued after their endeavours, no medical intervention was required & all units were stood down.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking news/ireland/kitesurfers-safe-452751.html

Incident 06/10