Two teenagers missing after Down canoe accident

A major search is underway for two teenagers who were out in a canoe that capsized on a lake in Castlewellan Forest Park, in the foothills of Mourne Mountains.

The alarm was raised by the third person who was in the canoe, as he managed to get swim ashore and subsequently raise the alarm. An 18-year-old male and a 16-year-old girl are still missing.

Diana Gadd, Watch Manager, Belfast Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said: "The search area concerned is approximately 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide. The police helicopter is searching with infrared and the upturned canoe has been located but at this time the remaining two casualties have not been found.

"The third canoeist that managed to get ashore is now receiving medical attention. We do not have any information yet as to what they were doing and why. The search is ongoing.

"This is a truly multi-agency response where we are all working closely together with the hope of a positive outcome."