Lone kayaker rescued by Red Bay RNLI after late-night emergency off Cushendun

Monday 13 July 2026

A lone kayaker was rescued by Red Bay RNLI late on Sunday night after getting into difficulty approximately one and a half miles north of Cushendun, Co Antrim.

Red Bay RNLI lifeboats. Photo Credit: Colin King

Volunteer lifeboat crews launched both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats after Belfast Coastguard received a distress call at around 11.30pm from the kayaker, who was cold and exhausted after his vessel became swamped by heavy sea swells.

The man had set out at approximately 6.30pm on Sunday evening but ran into trouble several hours later when worsening sea conditions left him unable to return safely to shore.

Weather conditions at the time included easterly winds and a heavy sea swell, making the rescue operation particularly challenging.

On arrival at the scene, Red Bay RNLI volunteers found the kayaker in urgent need of assistance. He was transferred from his swamped kayak onto one of the lifeboats before both vessels returned safely to Cushendall, where they were met by Ballycastle Coastguard.

The casualty received immediate care on shore and, after recovering sufficiently, was able to leave the scene.

Red Bay RNLI Coxswain Liam O'Brien praised the successful outcome while highlighting the dangers of venturing offshore.

"This was a great outcome as the kayaker was in serious trouble after becoming overwhelmed by the sea state and pure exhaustion," he said.

"Even during the warmest weather, conditions offshore can take a bad turn very quickly and the water is extremely cold. Thankfully the kayaker managed to raise the alarm, and we were able to reach him in time. We wish the man concerned a full recovery."

Mr O'Brien also urged anyone taking to the water to carry a reliable means of calling for help.

"Always have a means of calling for help and if you end up in the water unexpectedly, float with your head tilted back and your ears submerged, with your arms and legs extended. This will calm your breathing and give you time to raise the alarm and call for help."

The RNLI reminds anyone in difficulty at sea, or anyone who spots someone in trouble, to dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coastguard.