Major Rescue As Dinghy Race Vessels Capsize

Ten sailors have been injured after several vessels capsized in strong winds during a dinghy race in Northern Ireland.

Initial reports said as many as 100 people had to be rescued from the water after winds up to 60mph suddenly hit and caused sailing dinghies to overturn in Strangford Lough, south of Belfast.

Coastguard bosses later revised this figure and confirmed 20 people were thought to have gone overboard.

Thirteen rescue boats and two helicopters were at the scene looking for other people in the water during a three-hour search operation. All involved have now been accounted for.

Two teenage boys and a woman thought to be in her thirties were among the injured.

Most of those who ended up in the water suffered the effects of hypothermia.

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

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