Two youths arrested after sick hoax call
Belfast Coastguard report two in custody after laughter heard on line


At least two youths are in custody after being involved in making a hoax call to Belfast Coastguard, which initiated a search for two missing people in a dinghy on Sunday

An emergency 999 call came in to Belfast Coastguard just before 2pm on 20th May from a young male on a mobile, stating he had seen a rubber dinghy between Portrush and Skerries drifting out to sea with two lads in it.

Coastguards at Belfast had their suspicions regarding the call, but initiated the search and rescue for the supposed casualties by sending Coastguard Rescue officers from Coleraine and requesting the launch of inshore Portrush lifeboat to the scene, as well as asking the Police to attend.

Steve Palmer, Watch Manager, Belfast Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said:

"We had our suspicions regarding this incident due to the initial faint laughter in the background whilst the informant was on the line, and the sad similarity of a recent incident that had taken place at the beginning of this month at Castlerock; where there had been a loss of life.

"I am pleased to say that a group of youths were found in the area and are currently being interviewed by the local police, after two have admitted making the call."