Northern Ireland

Video: Paddleboarder found safe after search by four lifeboats and Coastguard in Whitehead

A PADDLEBOARDER who sparked a sea and coastal search in Co Antrim on Sunday after failing to return to shore was found safe and well.

Four lifeboats and three Coastguard shore teams took part in the search, which began shortly before 5pm and ended around an hour later.

The Coastguard has reminded people going out to sea to always let someone know when they plan to return.

The man, who was able to make his own way back to shore, had set off from Whitehead in conditions which were described as "breezy, with rough seas".

A spokesperson for the Coastguard said the alarm was raised by a number of rowers who had been out on the water at the same time as the paddleboarder but became concerned when they noticed later that he had failed to return.

"They reported strong winds which, in the case of a lone paddleboarder, could have pushed him out to the middle of the Irish Sea," the spokesperson said.

A video released by Larne RNLI shows him safe and well and telling his 'rescuers' that he would make his own way back in five minutes.

A spokesperson for Larne RNLI said: "We would rather launch our lifeboats to find out everyone is okay. When you get a call-out, you just don't know how serious it is."