THE Killarney Lake Rescue unit spearheaded the safe recovery of two people who were stranded overnight on a small river island after getting into difficulties while kayaking.
The man and woman, who are both from Killarney, were eventually airlifted to safety this morning by a Shannon Search and Rescue helicopter that had been summoned to assist in the operation.
The duo, both in their early 20s, were kayaking on the River Gearhameen in the Black Valley on Saturday evening.
Both experienced kayakers, they took to the choppy waters after dark but, it has been reported, the woman lost her paddle in a strong swell and had to scramble to the relative safety of the river island.
Her companion raised the alarm and stayed with her on the island to ensure she was safe.
Gardaí in Killarney were made aware of the incident shortly after 7.00pm and they put the emergency plan in place.
Valentia Coastguard was alerted but, due to poor weather and dangerous after-dark conditions, a chopper could not be put into operation until this Sunday morning.
The Killarney Lake Rescue volunteers were called in to help and they were able to extend a rope line to the stranded pair to transfer a tent and supplies to ensure they were safe overnight.
The airlift was successfully completed after first light this morning and the kayakers were not injured.
