A Donegal lifeboat crew responded to an emergency call – only to discover those in trouble were taking part in a paddle-board race.
Bundoran RNLI has responded this evening to a false alarm with good intent.
The volunteer lifeboat crew of Bundoran RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat at 5.16pm after a call by the Irish Coast Guard.
The crew were asked to go to the assistance of three stand up paddle boarders thought to be in difficulty near Mullaghmore.
The lifeboat helmed by Killian O’Kelly was launched in five minutes and immediately made its way to the scene.
Weather conditions at the time were poor with heavy rain and reduced visibility.
Once on scene, the crew found the experienced trio of paddle-boarders had been competing in a downwind race from Mullaghmore to Bundoran and were not in any difficulty.
Speaking following the call out, Bundoran RNLI Helm Killian O’Kelly thanked the member of the public who made the call.
“Once we arrived on scene we observed that all three stand up paddle boarders were safe and well. They were all wearing lifejackets and carrying a method of communication.
“While this was a false alarm with good intent, we would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm as conditions at sea were not good at the time. We would always much rather launch to find all is well than not launch at all.”
“With a lot of visitors enjoying the long northern Bank Holiday weekend here in Bundoran, we would remind everyone planning a visit to the beach or the sea, to always respect the water. Plan your activity in advance, always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
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