Body boarder airlifted to Sligo hospital after rescue by Bundoran lifeboat

A body boarder who got into difficulty off the Co Donegal coast has been rescued by the Bundoran RNLI crew.

The lifeboat crew launched just after 7pm last night to a body boarder in difficulty at Rossnowlagh beach, following a 999 call to Malin Head Coast Guard.

They reached the man in his 50s as he made it ashore, and after assessing his condition the crew from the Sligo Coastguard helicopter made the decision to airlift him to Sligo Regional Hospital for medical assessment.

The Bundoran Lifeboat after last night's operation. Pic: Killian O'Kelly.

Bundoran RNLI volunteer helm Elliot Kearns said: "As the RNLI’s Respect The Water safety campaign begins in earnest, this incident is an example of how unforgiving the sea can be even on a moderately calm evening.

"We’re thankful that the gentleman made it to shore and was checked out by the paramedics on board Rescue 118."

Further safety information and details on the RNLI’s Respect The Water campaign are available at www.rnli.org/respectthewater