02/05/2017

Scottish Surfer Rescued After Over 30hrs At Sea

A Scottish surfer is in a stable condition in the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald after spending over 30 hours in the sea.

Matthew Bryce from Glasgow went surfing on the Machrihanish beach on Sunday, 30 April, however he failed to return.

Belfast Coastguard and the RNLI were alerted and conducted searches.

Dawn Petrie at Belfast Coastguard Operations Centre said: "Hope was fading of finding the surfer safe and well after such a long period in the water and, with nightfall approaching, we were gravely concerned.

"But at 7.30pm on Monday, the crew on the Coastguard rescue helicopter were delighted when they located the man still with his surfboard and 13 miles off the coast.

"He was kitted out with all the right clothing, including a thick neoprene suit, and this must have helped him to survive for so long at sea."

Photo: Police Scotland

(CD)


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