Strangford Lough regatta: Live updates of mission to rescue up to 100 capsized dinghy racers
Major incident declared as dozens of people fell into the water during a dinghy race off the coast of Northern Ireland
3:46 pm
Eyewitnesses at the scene say it is clear a huge rescue operation is underway.
Journalist Jordan Moates told Sky News: "The harbour is a sea of blue flashing lights. This is really a major incident that is being dealt with at the moment."
Mr Moates said the lough is currently "very calm" despite reports that poor weather conditions led to the dinghies capsizing.
3:43 pm
3:36 pm
This image below shows the movements of the Irish coastguard helicopter over the lough.
It is now believed the weather changed dramatically causing the boats to capsize.
Live tracking shows Irish coastguard helicopter currently over Strangford Lough. http://t.co/ukHnoddow0 pic.twitter.com/06O7j5AHeM
— Conor Shanley (@Conor_utv) August 11, 2014
3:32 pm
Rescue teams are now saying that 10 people have been injured, most showing signs of hypothermia.
Ambulance crews are treating them on scene.
It's believed that all those in the water have been accounted for. However rescue units on scene, including the helicopters and lifeboats, are carrying out further searches to make sure.
3:29 pm
Strangford Lough, which is a short distance south west of Belfast, is an area affected by powerful tides from the sea.
It is popular with all sorts of watersports enthusiasts and a dedicated canoe trail has been laid out along its waters.
Some 97 sailors were thrown from boats into the lough as they took part in the regatta, the Boating World Championships GP 14 event, off Killyleagh.
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland said ambulance crews were treating as many people as possible at the scene and a major incident response plan has been launched.
"There were 97 people in the water," the spokeswoman said.
"Casualties will be being brought to the Ulster Hospital (Dundonald). A major incident and emergency response plan is in operation."
3:27 pm
There are now worrying but as of yet unconfirmed reports that children are also in the water.
This map shows the area where the rescue operation is currently underway.
3:24 pm
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said about 80 sailing dinghies were hit by stormy weather.
Belfast Coastguard was first contacted just before 2pm reporting that some of the boats had capsized, while others were struggling to cope in the strong winds and squally showers.
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 have been sent to the scene.
It is not clear at this time how many people are involved and if there are any injuries.
3:20 pm
Good afternoon and welcome to our live blog.
A major incident has been declared this afternoon after up to 100 people are thought to have fallen into the sea during a boat race.
Several boats are believed to have overturned near Strangford Lough, Killyleagh, in Northern Ireland.
As reported by the Belfast Telegraph, The Ulster Hospital has declared a major incident.
Police helicopters, paramedics and coastguards are currently rushing to the scene.
Stay with us for live updates.
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