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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| 'Major incident' as boating event hit by stormy weather | 'Major incident' as boating event hit by stormy weather |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| At least 10 people have been injured during an incident at an international boating event on Strangford Lough in County Down. | At least 10 people have been injured during an incident at an international boating event on Strangford Lough in County Down. |
| A major rescue effort is under way after about 80 sailing dinghies were hit by a sudden squall. | A major rescue effort is under way after about 80 sailing dinghies were hit by a sudden squall. |
| It is understood some boats capsized and up to 100 people, including children, may be involved. | It is understood some boats capsized and up to 100 people, including children, may be involved. |
| The Belfast coastguard said they believe all those in the water have been accounted for. | The Belfast coastguard said they believe all those in the water have been accounted for. |
| However, rescue units at the scene, including the helicopters and lifeboats, are carrying out further searches. | However, rescue units at the scene, including the helicopters and lifeboats, are carrying out further searches. |
| The injured are being treated by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service who have set up tents at the scene. Most of those being treated are showing signs of hypothermia. | |
| The Ulster Hospital in Dundonald has declared a major incident. A spokesperson said 97 people had been in the water and 67 had been rescued. | |
| The south eastern trust said six people were on their way to hospital with minor injuries. | |
| A GP14 world championship event was being held on the lough at Killyleagh. | A GP14 world championship event was being held on the lough at Killyleagh. |
| A spokesperson for the event said the first race had been due to take place at 11:55 BST on Monday but it had been cancelled due to bad weather. | |
| Competitors were on their way back to shore when the incident happened. | |
| It is not known how many children were involved, but they are thought to be aged between 13 and 18. | |
| The Bangor and Portaferry Coastguard rescue teams, the Portaferry and Newcastle RNLI lifeboats, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter along with the helicopter from RAF Valley are helping in the rescue effort. | |
| The GP14 world championship event sees one of the biggest fleets of single class twin crew dinghies assemble in Northern Ireland. | |
| With an international following the event attracted about 200 competitors, some from as far away as Australia. | |
| Hosted by East Down Yacht Club, which is a few miles outside Killyleagh, races are held daily over the week-long event. |