Six rescued after paddleboarders and kayaker swept out to sea off Clogherhead
Sunday 13 September 2026
Six young people were brought to safety by Clogherhead RNLI on Saturday afternoon after they were swept out to sea while paddleboarding and kayaking off Port Beach, Clogherhead.
The Clogherhead RNLI volunteers were tasked by the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre Dublin (MRCC) at approximately 1.00pm on Saturday, 12 September, following a 999 call from the group requesting assistance.
The casualties comprised five paddleboarders and one kayaker, aged between 11 and 15, who were accompanied by an adult. All were wearing wetsuits and lifejackets.
The group had initially tried to remain together, but the choppy sea conditions, combined with a strong south-westerly wind of between 25 and 30 knots, made it increasingly difficult for them to stay together and they were dragged further offshore.
Recognising the danger they were in, they made the important decision to call 999 and request assistance from the Coast Guard.
The volunteer crew of the Michael O’Brien lifeboat launched and proceeded to the scene. On arrival, the Clogherhead Coast Guard Unit had already established a visual on the casualties and was able to provide the lifeboat crew with an accurate position.
This information proved vital in allowing the lifeboat to reach the group as quickly as possible.
A Coast Guard helicopter also attended the incident.
When the lifeboat crew reached the casualties, they quickly realised that the group were tired and cold after being exposed to the difficult sea conditions.
The six casualties were brought safely aboard the lifeboat in three separate groups. Once onboard, they were assessed by a Clogherhead RNLI volunteer crew member who is also an advanced paramedic.
The casualties were then moved into the lifeboat's casualty/survivor space, where they were kept warm and sheltered during the journey back to Port Oriel.
On arrival at the harbour, the six were further assessed by members of the National Ambulance Service.
The successful rescue involved six crew members onboard the lifeboat, supported by five shore crew and many other Clogherhead Lifeboat Station volunteers who assisted throughout the operation.
The shout was also a significant one for three members of the crew, as it was their first callout. Tractor Driver Sean Doherty and Crew Members Paddy Rath and Kevin Wallis were all responding to their first shout.
Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Sean Flanagan praised the entire team following the rescue.
“It was time critical that we got to this group before they became too cold and too exhausted. It was the first shout for three of our crew members today, so fair play to them and the rest of our crew. Six lives were saved this afternoon.”
He also thanked the other emergency services involved, adding:
“I would also like to thank the Coast Guard helicopter and the Clogherhead Coast Guard Unit for their help and assistance today.”
The incident highlights how quickly conditions at sea can change, even when conditions may appear manageable from the shore.
RNLI paddleboarding safety advice
The RNLI is reminding anyone taking part in paddleboarding to take the following precautions:
Always check the weather, tides and sea conditions before heading out.
Wear a suitable personal flotation device and appropriate clothing for the conditions.
Always wear your leash and keep hold of your paddleboard, as it can help keep you afloat if you fall into the water.
Paddle with a buddy and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Stay within your ability and avoid conditions beyond your experience.
Make sure your board, leash and other equipment are suitable for the conditions and in good working order.
Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch and carry a means of calling for help.
If you get into difficulty, call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
The RNLI also stresses that sea conditions can change rapidly, and conditions offshore can be very different from those seen from the shoreline. If you are unsure about the conditions, there is no shame in deciding not to go out.
If you do find yourself in difficulty, float to live. Stay with your board, make yourself as visible as possible and conserve your energy while waiting for help.
And if you see someone else in trouble at sea, call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
