Two kayakers were rescued after their double kayak capsized near Inishmurray Island off the coast of Sligo last weekend.
The two casualties were found in the water by Coast Guard helicopter R118 crew, winched onboard and taken back to Sligo Airport. They needed no further assistance.
Before 1pm on Saturday, Malin Head Rescue Coordination Centre picked up a faint Mayday call coming from the Donegal Bay area.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said Sligo-based R118, Bundoran RNLI and Killybegs Coast Guard Unit were immediately tasked. The search was narrowed down to the south east of Donegal Bay.
A spokesperson for Bundoran RNLI said while conditions were calm upon launching, there was "a choppy 4-5ft swell" as they made their way to the scene where the kayakers were located.
Upon the RNLI crew's arrival at the scene between Inishmurray and Cliffoney, both kayakers who were in a double kayak when they capsized were being winched into the helicopter.
The lifeboat crew were then requested to find a third kayaker and also to retrieve the long double kayak so it would not pose a navigational hazard.
The crew proceeded to locate the third person who was safe and well and making their way to the shore unaided.
Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Daimon Fergus commended their colleagues in Malin Head Coast Guard who coordinated the rescue and picked up what he described as "a faint Mayday".
"We would like to commend Rescue 118 and wish both kayakers well. Both casualties were wearing the correct gear including drysuits and lifejackets and they had a means to communicate to raise the alarm which are all important."
"We would encourage those planning a trip to sea in a kayak or canoe to also consider bringing an EPIRB (Emergency position-indicating radiobeacon) or smoke flares which can greatly assist those searching in being able to reach the specific location and let someone know when you are going and when you are due back."
