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200 people back on land after sailing dinghies rescue

More than 200 people have been returned to shore after 87 sailing dinghies were hit by stormy weather in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland.

The Bangor and Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Portaferry and Newcastle RNLI lifeboats, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter along with the helicopter from RAF Valley were sent to the scene, along with PSNI and ambulance crews.

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Sailors were 'struggling to cope in the strong winds'

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has said it responded to reports that sailors were struggling in the windy conditions, but that it is too early to tell how many people are involved in the incident in Strangford Lough.

A statement on the agency's website said:

The Coastguard is this afternoon coordinating a rescue response after approximately 80 sailing dinghies were hit by stormy weather in Strangford Lough.

Belfast Coastguard was first contacted just before 2pm reporting that some of the boats had capsized, while others were struggling to cope in the strong winds and squally showers.

The Bangor and Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Portaferry and Newcastle RNLI lifeboats, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter along with the helicopter from RAF Valley have been sent to the scene.

It is not clear at this time how many people are involved and if there are any injuries. A search and rescue operation is ongoing.

– Maritime and Coastguard Agency

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