Surfer rescued after 30 plus hours in the Irish Sea

A young surfer is "extremely lucky to be alive" after spending more than 30 hours in the Irish Sea.

Matthew Bryce from Glasgow is recovering in hospital from hypothermia after being found clinging to his surf-board north-east of Rathlin Island, 13 miles off the coast of Scotland.

The 22-year-old had been missing since around 9am on Sunday in the St Catherine’s of Argyll. He was believed to be heading to Westport Beach near Campbeltown.

He was picked up by a helicopter last night in a search co-ordinated by the Belfast Coastguard.

Coastguard rescue teams from Campbeltown, Southend, Gigha, Tarbert and Port Ellen - as well as the Coastguard rescue helicopter based at Prestwick - were also involved in the search

Dawn Petrie at Belfast Coastguard Operations Centre who co-ordinated said having the right clothing on, helped save him.

“Hope was fading of finding the surfer safe and well after such a long period in the water and with nightfall approaching we were gravely concerned, but at 7.30pm the crew on the Coastguard rescue helicopter were delighted when they located the man still with his surf board and 13 miles off the coast,” she said.

“He was kitted out with all the right clothing, including a thick neoprene suit, and this must have helped him to survive for so long at sea.

“He is hypothermic but conscious and has been flown to hospital in Belfast.''

Chief Inspector Paul Robertson said: “The response to our appeal to find Matthew has been outstanding.

“It has been a real team effort and I would like to thank everyone who offered their assistance.''

• coastguard