Two Port St Mary RNLI lifeboats were launched Tuesday evening (September 7) to assist paddleboarders that were reported to be in difficulties in Castletown.

Belfast Coastguard had requested the launch of both the relief Trent all-weather lifeboat and the inshore lifeboat, with both being sent because of the dark conditions.

The Dora Foster McDougall and the Spirit of Leicester quickly located the paddleboarders, who then were quickly located, and after the RNLI ensured no assistance was needed they made their own way ashore.

Coxswain of the all-weather lifeboat Michael Keggen said the callout highlighted the need to be suitably equipped with appropriate safety equipment (such as a buoyancy aid) and a means of raising the alarm when undertaking water sports at sea.