A rescue operation has been launched after around 80 sailing dinghies at an international boating event were hit by stormy weather in Northern Ireland, leaving ten people injured, British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said Monday.
Belfast Coastguard was first contacted just before 2 p.m. reporting that some of the boats had capsized in Strangford Lough in County Down, while others were struggling to cope in the strong winds and squally showers, the MCA said in a statement.
Latest information showed that ten people were injured, most showing signs of hypothermia. Ambulance crews are treating them on scene, the MCA added.
Around 80 sailing dinghies were stricken by the stormy weather, according to Belfast Coastguard. The dinghies had been participating in the Boating World Championships GP 14 event before the accident.
"It's believed that all those in the water have been accounted for. However rescue units on scene, including the helicopters and lifeboats, are carrying out further searches to make sure," the MCA noted.
The Bangor and Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Teams, the lifeboats from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter along with the helicopter from RAF Valley have been carrying out rescue operations on the scene.
Up to 100 people, including children, could be affected by the accident, local media reported.