Man drowns off Co Antrim coast
A man has died after he was swept to sea after diving into water near rocks despite a major air and sea operation in Northern Ireland.
A change in wind direction was believed today to have claimed the life of the man who died in hospital after being rescued off the Causeway Coast in Co Antrim.
The man, who has not been named, drifted out to sea with two other men after jumping off rocks yesterday near Dunluce Castle – a popular tourist attraction along a coast which also includes the Giant’s Causeway.
The emergency services received a 999 call from a 14-year-old girl who was with the group but who was on the shore when the men were swept out to sea.
Her call sparked a dramatic air and sea rescue involving members of the Coastguard in Belfast, lifefboat crews in Ballycastle and Portrush and a helicopter from Prestwick.
A paramedic was also dispatched to the scene.
A Coastguard spokesman said: “The boys had been diving into the sea but there were 12 – 15 feet swells in the area and they were swept out.
“A teenage girl, who was with them, raised the alarm and sparked the operation. The sea is very treacherous. Even in a boat around the rocks it’s dangerous."
The three men were pulled out of the water by a lifeboat crew and the girl was helicoptered from the shore.
All four were taken to the Causeway hospital in Coleraine where they were reported to be suffering from various degrees of hypothermia and shock. One of the group lost his battle to survive.
