Five men rescued from Lough Neagh

Kinnego and Ardboe lifeboat crews were involved in the rescue of five men from Lough Neagh at the weekend.

The men had got into difficulties and contacted emergency services just before 4am on Sunday when they lost their way as they were sailing across the lough.

A police plane spotted them in the water and two lifeboats and a Coastguard boat were launched.

They were found in Antrim Bay and were towed to shore at Ballyginniff. The men were unhurt.

Lifeboats from Ardboe and Kinnego were launched to help with the search operation.

Jude McNeice from the Coastguard said: “They had been lost for some time.

“The lough at night is very difficult to navigate. There are no obvious landmarks.”

Ms McNeice said anyone sailing out on the lough should ensure they have suitable navigation equipment on board.