Two kayakers rescued off Portrush coast after getting into difficulty near Ramore Head

Portrush RNLI Inshore Lifeboat ‘The Ken Blair’

Two kayakers were rescued off the north coast on Wednesday afternoon after getting into difficulty in the water near Ramore Head in Portrush.

Volunteer crew members from RNLI were called into action after reports that two people had ended up in the sea alongside their kayaks just off the popular coastal headland.

The incident prompted the launch of the Portrush RNLI Inshore Lifeboat, with the rescue operation unfolding shortly after lunchtime in calm weather conditions.

Emergency call sparked rapid RNLI launch

Portrush RNLI said its Inshore Lifeboat ‘The Ken Blair’ was requested to launch by the Coastguard at 12.28pm on Wednesday, May 27, following reports of two kayakers in difficulty off Ramore Head.

The lifeboat launched at 12.40pm and reached the scene within five minutes.

Conditions at the time were described as ideal, with clear skies, excellent visibility and only a light southern wind.

However, when the volunteer crew arrived, both kayakers were already in the water beside their kayaks.

The two people, along with their kayaks, were brought safely aboard the lifeboat before being transported back to Portrush Harbour and handed into the care of the Coastguard.

The lifeboat crew returned to station at 12.50pm following the successful rescue operation.

‘A textbook rescue’

Carl Kennedy, Deputy Launching Authority at Portrush RNLI, said the outcome could have been far worse had conditions at sea not been so calm.

He said:

“This was a great outcome for all concerned today. The kayakers did the right thing staying with their kayaks, luckily it was a beautifully calm day, and this was a textbook rescue.

“We hope the kayakers don’t suffer any ill effects.”

Safety reminder as waters grow busier

The incident comes as the north coast begins to see increased numbers of people taking to the water during warmer weather and the approach of the busy summer season.

Areas around Ramore Head and Portrush Harbour are particularly popular with kayakers, paddleboarders and open water swimmers, especially during calm conditions.

RNLI crews regularly urge anyone heading onto the water to wear suitable safety equipment, carry a means of communication where possible, and to remain with their craft if they end up in difficulty.

Wednesday’s rescue ended without reported injury, but the incident served as another reminder of how quickly conditions at sea can change — even on seemingly perfect days.