Kite-surfer rescued from island off north Mayo

A kite-surfer was rescued from Inishkea north island on Sunday afternoon.

Ballyglass Coast Guard Search and Drone Unit were tasked by MRSC Malin following reports of a kite-surfer in difficulty between Glosh beach and the Inishkea islands.

On arriving at the scene they learned that there were three surfers in the group.

Two made it ashore safely, one near Tirrane Point and the second near Elly Bay. Neither needed medical assistance.

The third surfer ended up on Inishkea north island.

Rescue 118 and Ballyglass RNLI were also tasked to assist, with the lifeboat launched from French Port for Inishkea.

At the same time, R118 arrived on the scene and following an assessment they decided to lift the surfer on board the helicopter. They were then transferred to the airstrip in Belmullet.

In a report on their social media, Ballyglass Coast Guard Search and Drone Unit said the surfers praised and thanked all the emergency services for their excellent response.

The unit thanks all involved in the operation, especially a local fisherman for his help and advice.

If you see someone in difficulty in the sea or along the shoreline call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.