Three surfers who got into trouble off the Cliffs of Moher last month have been severely criticised by the Irish Marine Search and Rescue Region.
The surfers refused assistance from the Shannon Coast Guard helicopter on the basis that their surf boards were not going to be taken on board.
The IMSRR committee said today that the surfers' behaviour was completely unacceptable to the rescue agency and to the maritime community that it represents.
The committee added that it was reprehensible and dangerously irresponsible for those who seek recreation on Irish waters to place themselves in undue peril in the expectation that the rescue services will respond.
The surfers were eventually rescued by the Doolin Coast Guard Unit boat and transferred to the Aran Islands lifeboat.
