SLIDESHOW - Kayakers rescued off north coast

The two men were part of a group of four kayakers who had been exploring the coastline near the famous Rope Bridge on Saturday afternoon, when they were hit by a large wave.

Two of the group were thrown into the water and driven on to the rocks by the force of the breaking waves. When the alarm was raised by a National Trust Warden, Belfast Coastguard tasked the Coastguard Rescue Teams from Ballycastle and Coleraine to the scene, along with the Portrush Lifeboat.

Coastguards transported rope rescue equipment across the Rope Bridge and lowered two rescue technicians from the Ballycastle Team down to the stranded kayakers, who had managed to scramble on to rocks at the base of the sheer cliffs.

The men were winched to safety by the Coastguard Team and were given first aid for minor injuries.

Their two companions, who had been able to remain with their craft, were taken on board Portrush Lifeboat and returned ashore. They were then given assistance by the Coleraine Coastguard Team to return to their vehicles at Ballintoy.