A sea search has been launched off the coast of Northern Ireland after two unattended fishing rods were found on rocks at Portrush.
The equipment was discovered at the Blue Pool by a member of the public around 11am. The Portrush Coastguard Rescue Team, the RNLI Lifeboat from Portrush and the Irish Coastguard helicopter based at Sligo have all been deployed to the scene amid fears the owner of the rods may have fallen in.
An extensive search has yet to find anyone in the water. Belfast Coastguard Watch Manager Ian Murdock said: “Until we find out that the owner of the fishing rods is safe and well we have to assume the worst.
“If you were fishing at the Blue Pool last night or early this morning please call the coastguard, particularly if you left some equipment behind.
“Rocks can be dangerous and slippery so please consider whether there is anywhere safer to fish. Because there is little to hold on to even a small wave can wash you off in to the sea and so the coastguard recommends that when fishing from rocks you wear a suitable floatation device, you check weather and tidal conditions and tell someone on shore where you are going and what time you plan to be back.
“If you don’t return on time ask them to call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”