Major Rescue As 80 Dinghy Race Vessels Capsize

A major rescue operation is under way after 80 vessels capsized in strong winds during a dinghy race in Northern Ireland.

Nearly 100 people were rescued from the water after bad weather suddenly hit and caused sailing dinghies to overturn in Strangford Lough, south of Belfast.

Thirteen rescue boats and two helicopters are at the scene looking for other people in the water.

A Maritime and Coastguard agency spokesman said: "Latest information suggests that 10 people have been injured, most showing signs of hypothermia.

"Ambulance crews are treating them on scene.

A picture of the event at Strangford Lough taken on Sunday

"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."

Bernard Roddy, from the RNLI, said weather conditions were good this morning, but heavy rain and strong winds suddenly hit the area and caused vessels to capsize.

One sailor was treated for head injuries, said a spokeswoman for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland.

She said paramedics set up tents on the side of the sea loch to assess the injured and six people were taken to Ulster Hospital.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness wrote on Twitter: "Very concerned to hear of the serious boating incident in Strangford Lough.

"My thoughts & prayers are for the safety of everyone involved."

The dinghies were taking part in the Boating World Championships GP 14 event off Killyleagh.

The loch is affected by powerful tides from the Irish Sea and is popular with watersports enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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