THE IRISH Coast Guard was forced to deploy a helicopter and crew to rescue two surfers who ignored persistent warnings about Storm Jorge and took to the water off the coast of Ireland.
The two individuals were attempting to surf off the coast of Sligo, where an orange weather warning was in place, but quickly ran into difficulties.
They took to the water despite additional warnings from Met Eireann warning that Storm Jorge would bring strong winds and gusts of up to 130km/hr in the region.
An Irish Coast Guard Sligo Helicopter had to be deployed to rescue the two stricken surfers.
Both were successfully recovered and handed over to the National Ambulance Service who transported the pair to a nearby hospital.
Irish Coast Guard Sligo Helicopter has rescued 2 surfers that got into difficulties today. Casualties were successfully recovered and handed over the National Ambulance Service.
We strongly advice the public to avoid coastal activities during storm conditions.#StormJorge pic.twitter.com/YG4CohXrE2— Irish Coast Guard (@IrishCoastGuard) February 29, 2020
The two surfers’ thoughtless behaviour sparked angry responses from many online.
“There should be an automatic fine for anyone who went into the sea today!,” one wrote.
“Should be handed over to the gardai and charged with reckless behaviour,” another said.
“They should have to pay for the call out costs plus a big donation to the Coast Guard as a thank you for saving them from their stupidity and arrogance,” a third said.
A fourth, meanwhile, echoed similar criticism, writing “How is it that the Fire Brigade and Ambulance service can send you out a bill but the Coast guard don’t??? How much must it cost to launch a life boat or have a chopper take off.”
Commenting on the rescue, a spokesperson from the Office of Emergency Planning said: “We have to emphasise that being near exposed coasts puts you, your friends and family and the emergency services that may have to rescue you in danger.”
