This is the miraculous story of how two paddle boarders, who were swept out to sea, were found alive 17 miles out to sea.
The women, aged 17 and 23, were taken far out to sea off the western coast of Ireland due to strong wind.
After around 15 hours, many thought all hope was gone for the two, but unbelievably a fisherman found them clinging onto a lobster pot about two miles from Inis Oírr, and around 17 miles away from where they had been last seen.
#Breaking The two women who were missing in Co Galway have been found alive. They are believed to have survived 15 hours in the water. https://t.co/vQvWErBJgS
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 13, 2020
Barry Heskin of the RNLI told RTÉ’s News at One that the pair had buoyancy aids which helped them stay afloat.
However, he added, that they were not wearing wet suits so would’ve had to endure an incredibly cold night in the Atlantic Ocean with strong winds and heavy rain.
Local fisherman, Patrick Oliver, found the two girls and took them out of the water and back to land.
Is this the first good news story of the year because it really feels like it https://t.co/chIvbgraIZ
— Christine Bohan (@ChristineBohan) August 13, 2020
They are receiving treatment at Galway University Hospital but it is believed that the two are doing well and are expected to make a full recovery.
Divisional Controller at Valentia Coastguard John Draper added that one of the reasons the girls are believed to stayed alive is that they were able to keep themselves out of the water by laying on their paddle boards.
He said it could’ve been a different story if they were immersed in the water all night.
Finally some good news for a change!
