Divers rescued off Antrim coast

The divers had been exploring shipwrecks off Rathlin Island

Two divers have been rescued by helicopter off the County Antrim coast. They were reported missing on a dive to the west of Rathlin Island.

They had been diving in an area of shipwrecks when their boat lost contact with them on Sunday afternoon.

They managed to reach the base of a cliff and were picked by the Sligo-based rescue helicopter.

Portrush lifeboat began the search and HMS Exploit, which had been patrolling off Scotland, was also involved.

Local boats were also alerted and did what they could to aid the rescue.

Coastguard Hugh Fearon said it was a "big alert" as the divers were an hour overdue.

"They should have been reported a bit earlier once they hadn't come up from their dive," he said.

"They're lucky to be found and picked up. If it had have been dark, it could have been a different story."