Portrush RNLI assists kayakers drifting towards Dunluce Castle
Portrush RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, The Ken Blair
Sunday 04 October 2026
Portrush RNLI volunteers have assisted two kayakers who were struggling to return to shore after an offshore wind carried them away from White Rocks towards Dunluce Castle.
The alarm was raised by friends watching from shore who became concerned when the pair, who were using an inflatable kayak, were unable to make progress back towards the beach.
Friends alert Coastguard
Portrush RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, The Ken Blair, was requested to launch by the Coastguard at 12.36pm on Sunday.
The volunteer crew for the callout was Roo McCrudden, who was Helm, alongside Ishy McIntyre and Annie Jagoe.
The volunteer crew arrived on scene at 12.58pm and found that, although the two kayakers were tired, they were otherwise well and were both wearing lifejackets.
Weather conditions were described as good, but an offshore south-westerly wind had contributed to the pair drifting away from White Rocks and towards Dunluce Castle.
RNLI crew monitors return to shore
The lifeboat crew gave the kayakers advice on making their way safely back to shore and remained nearby to monitor their progress.
Once safely ashore, the pair were handed over to the waiting Coastguard team. No casualty care was required.
Portrush RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Judy Nelson said:
“Although weather conditions were fair today, the wind conditions were against the kayakers, making it difficult for them to make progress back to shore. but they were wearing lifejackets and their friends did the right thing in alerting the Coastguard otherwise this could have been a different scenario.”
Water safety reminder
Ms Nelson added:
“The RNLI has excellent advice about staying safe in and on the water, this can be accessed via www.rnli.org”
Following the incident, The Ken Blair returned to Portrush Lifeboat Station where it was refuelled and made ready for its next callout.
The incident serves as a reminder that even in fair weather, offshore winds can quickly make returning to shore difficult for people using kayaks and other small craft.
