A SCOTTISH surfer, missing in the Irish Sea since Sunday, has been rescued and flown to hospital in Belfast.
Matthew Bryce (22), from Glasgow, had been last seen at around 9am on Sunday in the St Catherines area of Argyll, believed to be heading to Westport Beach near Campbelltown.
Rescue teams from Scotland and Northern Ireland searched the sea and shore line.
He was found by a Coastguard helicopter at around 7.30pm on Monday, 13 miles from the Argyll coast.
He was later taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Matthew Bryce is rescued. Video by Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Dawn Petrie at Belfast Coastguard Operations Centre, who co-ordinated the search on Monday, said: "Hope was fading of finding the surfer safe and well after such a long period in the water and with nightfall approaching we were gravely concerned, but at 7.30pm the crew on the Coastguard rescue helicopter were delighted when they located the man still with his surf board and 13 miles off the coast.
"He was kitted out with all the right clothing, including a thick neoprene suit, and this must have helped him to survive for so long at sea.
"He is hypothermic but conscious and has been flown to hospital in Belfast."
Chief Inspector Paul Robertson, from Police Scotland, said: "The response to our appeal to find Matthew has been outstanding.
"It has been a real team effort and I would like to thank everyone who offered their assistance."
