THE LATEST:
The East Down Yacht Club is sponsoring the GP14 championship that was hit by a sudden storm on Strangford Lough earlier today. There were reports that some of the boats that were hit by the storm had capsized. Others were just trying to stay afloat in the sudden strong winds and tides.
Earlier reports of 80 boats being hit the storm have been updated to reflect up to 100 dinghies. Dozens of people are said to be in the water in the harbor. Those who are on the scene report that emergency personnel have converged on the scene and that there are blue emergency lights throughout the harbor.
Although there were reports of a sudden storm, reporters who are on the scene say that now the harbor appears to be “very calm” now. Strangford Lough is often hit by sudden, powerful tides. The area is popular with tourists and boating enthusiasts. The Irish Times is reporting today’s incident as being caused by a “freak wave.”
Hundreds of boating enthusiasts were taking part in the championship. The Mirror reports that so far, rescue teams say ten people were injured in the incident, with most of them showing symptoms of hypothermia. Officials believe all of those who were in the boats when the incident happened seem to have been accounted for, although emergency personnel in lifeboats and helicopters continue to sweep the area just to make sure.
PREVIOUSLY:
Irish authorities have declared a “major incident” after a serious boating incident at an international boating event. According to the BBC, it happened in County Down at Strangford Lough. Belfast’s Ulster Hospital declared it a “major incident” because up to 100 people, including children, may be involved.
The incident occurred after a sudden storm squall descended on the boating event. The Belfast Coastguard reported that the storm hit about 80 sailing dinghies. The people who were on the boats were attending a GP14 world championship at Killyleagh.
Irish authorities have declared a “major incident” after a serious boating incident at an international boating event. According to the BBC, it happened in County Down at Strangford Lough. Belfast’s Ulster Hospital declared it a “major incident” because up to 100 people, including children, may be involved.
The incident occurred after a sudden storm squall descended on the boating event. The Belfast Coastguard reported that the storm hit about 80 sailing dinghies. The people who were on the boats were attending a GP14 world championship at Killyleagh.
