Paddleboarders rescued after being carried offshore

Port Erin RNLI respond to call on Thursday afternoon as pair cling to rock and fishing buoy

Port Erin RNLI was called out on Thursday (25 June) after two paddleboarders were carried offshore by the wind.

The lifeboat, under the command of Helmsman Liam Lowey, made its way to the old breakwater at the mouth of Port Erin Bay where they found one paddleboarder had fallen into the water and was holding onto a rock, while the other was clinging to a fishing buoy. 

Both were safely recovered onto the lifeboat and returned to Port Erin Jetty.

The RNLI is reminding everyone heading out on the water to always check the weather and wind forecast before launching. 

Always wear a suitable buoyancy aid and carry a means of calling for help, such as a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.

Meanwhile, as the team was recovering the lifeboat at the station, the crew spotted a small tender drifting past after it had broken free from a yacht on its mooring.  

The lifeboat launched again at 4:55pm, this time under the command of Helmsman Matty Preston, recovered the tender and returned it safely to its owners before heading back to the station.

Later that evening, the lifeboat launched for a scheduled exercise. 

While afloat, the crew also spoke to water users about the dangers of the day's offshore wind conditions.