WIREDGOV

Just before 5.00 pm this afternoon Belfast Coastguard heard from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service of an accident involving a young boy at Cranfield Bay, near Kilkeel, Northern Ireland.

The call indicated that the youngster had been hit by a speedboat and was in a very poor way. The child was being given first aid on the beach by a lifeguard and a doctor who happened to be on scene.

Kilkeel RNLI inshore lifeboat was asked to attend, as was the local Coastguard Rescue Team. Dublin was requested to supply a Coastguard rescue helicopter however this was stood down when the boy was very quickly transported to the Daisy Hill hospital in Newry by land ambulance. He was being given cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) both on the beach and throughout his transfer.

Alan Pritchard, Watch Manager at Belfast Coastguard said

“Seemingly the child was on their knees on a wake board being towed by a boat when another power boat came from the beach and across the towed board carrying the child. We are working closely with Newry Police to establish all the facts. We do not have any further information on the condition of the child.”

Notes to Editors

• The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector. www.seavisionuk.org

• • Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch

• Follow us on Twitter. Find us at MCA_media

Contacts:

Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office
Phone: 023 8032 9401
NDS.MCGA@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Mark Clark.
Phone: 023 8032 9414
Mobile: 07711 002678
mark.clark@mcga.gov.uk