Lough Conn kayaker drifted for four miles after boat capsized

Anton McNulty

A TOURIST who hired a kayak to tour around Lough Conn drifted for up to four miles in the lake after his kayak capsized last Thursday.
The tourist, who is from England, was rescued by a team of local anglers who went looking for him when he failed to return at the close of business.
He was discovered by local angling club members floating among reeds close to the lake shore some time after 10pm. It is understood that he became separated from his kayak after it capsized.
The man was on holiday in the region and was accompanied by his son and another young person. The group had hired two kayaks from the local boat hire business on Thursday afternoon.
The search for the missing man included local boat men and search-and-rescue groups, as well as the Irish Coast Guard helicopter and local volunteer crews.
The man was discovered by two anglers on the east side of the lake when his lifejacket reflected off the search torchlights. He was conscious but weak when taken from the water and treated for mild hypothermia. He is expected to make a full recovery.