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26 PEOPLE HAVE been rescued from the River Foyle after a boating event went badly wrong.
The event, a fundraiser for the local YMCA, saw two kayaks that were participating capsize.
Foyle Search and Rescue (FSR) conducted the rescue of the 26 people, aged between 18 and their mid-50s, in conjunction with both the Irish and UK Coastguards and the North’s emergency services.
Press Association / TwitterEmergency services rescue 26 people in a major incident on River Foyle: http://t.co/jFPtgwsTOe by @wyliecatherine pic.twitter.com/jdnNEek4oR
— PA Media (@PA) June 6, 2015
The incident happened on the stretch of river between Carrigans in County Donegal and Magheramason in County Tyrone on the river Foyle.
Martin McGuinness / TwitterExcellent work by Emergency services in their successful efforts to safely recover 26 capsized canoeists today from the River Foyle.#Derry
— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) June 6, 2015
An Irish CoastGuard Helicopter airlifted five of the boaters who were worst affected by the freezing water to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, while 12 others were taken by ambulance.
The hospital subsequently confirmed the casualties were being treated for hypothermia.
Local SDLP MLA Mark Durkan commended the efforts of the various emergency services involved.
“I must commend the swift and brave actions of Foyle Search and Rescue, The Irish Coast Guard and all the emergency services whose efficiency and professionalism certainly saved lives,” he said.
It has been a cold day and the water in the river would have been freezing.
Coupled with the strong current and high tide it is extremely fortunate that we did not witness a tragedy here today.
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2 kayaks capsize and 26 people end up in the water… Not surprised really slightly over loaded…..
2 kayaks capsized and 24 people jumped in to save them. It all went pear shaped.
Either way top job by the rescue personnel that’s a messy one to deal with.
Freezing water….In june?
I’m guessing they might have been dragon boats or something similar instead?
Did the Indian chief’s headdress get wet?
If it as frozen they would be skating on it
have your say