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Arranmore RNLI responds to reports of missing kayakers

Lifeboats News Release

Arranmore RNLI was launched at 10.42am this morning, (Saturday 10 June) to reports of a missing kayaker off the coast of Glen Head.

Arranmore RNLI Coxswain Sean O'Donnell

RNLI/Arranmore

Arranmore RNLI Coxswain Sean O'Donnell

Just minutes into the launch the lifeboat crew were informed that the kayaker had been found and were then asked to proceed to the Portnoo area where there were further reports of another missing kayaker.

On arrival at the Portnoo area, the volunteer lifeboat crew mapped out a search area and located the kayaker just off Dawros Head near Portnoo.

Speaking following the call out, Coxswain Sean O’Donnell said: 'We are really pleased that both kayakers are safe and well.'

Sean has recently passed out as a coxswain at Arranmore RNLI and this is only the second call out he has been in charge of the lifeboat. His first call was for a medical evacuation from Arranmore to Burtonport and today’s call out is the first to an emergency at sea.

He continued: 'It was a privilege to take charge of the lifeboat today, sea conditions were calm and the outcome was the best. As the weather gets warmer more people use the sea for recreation and work and we ask that all those going to sea always respect the water. Wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device, check weather and tides before going out, carry a means of communication and should you get into difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'

Ends

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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