THE WOMAN and teenage girl who were reported missing from Furbo beach late last night after they entered the water on paddle-boards have been rescued.
According to RTÉ News, the 17-year-old and 23-year-old were found clinging to a lobster pot in the sea about two miles from Inis Oirr island and were rescued by local fishermen.
The pair, who are understood to be from the Knocknacarra area of Galway city, have been taken to University Hospital Galway to recover, and are not believed to be in any danger.
The Irish Coast Guard confirmed the news, stating on Twitter:
"Two Missing Paddle Boarders (sic) located and being transferred to the care of the HSE, search is now standing down, thank you to everyone that assisted in this SAR operation."
Two Missing Paddle Boarders located and being transferred to the care of the HSE, search is now standing down, thank you to everyone that assisted in this SAR operation.
— Irish Coast Guard (@IrishCoastGuard) August 13, 2020
Barry Heskin of the RNLI told RTÉ News at One that the incredible news that the women were found alive had rescuers "jumping around the station and there were a few tears shed".
The urgent search was launched last night and recommenced this morning, with Gardaí and members of the public conducting searches along the coastline.
The Rescue 115 from Shannon, Rescue 118 from Sligo, The Aran Lifeboat, Galway lifeboat and Costelloe Bay unit teams were also involved in the search at sea.
Miraculously, the pair survived about 15 hours in the water after they were blown out to sea.
