Eleven of the kayakers were taken onboard the Portrush lifeboat. Photo Kenneth Allen CC-BY-SA-2.0

A dozen sea kayakers were rescued after some of them became exhausted and seasick.

The group, mainly teenagers, were spotted in difficulties off the coast at Portballintrae, Northern Ireland, yesterday.

Numerous phone calls were made to the Coastguard after the group was spotted about 1.05pm. The callers told rescuers they could see a group of twelve in trouble off the Causeway Coast.

Belfast Coastguard called out the Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Team and requested the launch of the Portrush Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: “On arrival the Coleraine Coastguard Rescue team kept the kayakers under observation and directed the Portrush RNLI inshore lifeboat to the kayakers.

“It was quickly established some of the group had become exhausted and were suffering from seasickness. 11 of the group where transferred onto the large all-weather Portrush lifeboat while the inshore lifeboat escorted the one remaining kayaker back to Portballintrae harbour.

“The Portrush lifeboat then transferred the 11 rescued kayakers who were mainly teenagers to the safety of Portrush harbour.

“Luckily none of the group required any medical attention.”

Belfast Coastguard watch manager Steve Carson said: “While the sun is shining, the wind can make conditions tricky and unpredictable.  It is recommended that you contact us and let us know of your plans. It can help in incident situations.

“If you see anyone in trouble at sea or on the coast, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”