Irish paddle-surfer, 44, airlifted from Cantabria island

AN IRISH woman aged 44 had to be airlifted to safety after becoming injured during a group trip to an island off the coast of Cantabria in the north of Spain.

She had gone paddle-surfing out to Santa Marina de Loredo island, in the Ribamontán al Mar area and, upon arrival, the group left their equipment on the beach and went off to explore the area.

The victim did not return to the meeting point at the time stipulated, causing concern among her fellow tourists who went out looking for her.

After an hour and a half and still no trace of her, they rang the 112 emergency hotline.

Rescuers started their search in the rocky cliff area, since they knew anyone who became lost or in

difficulties there would be up against the clock to be helped ashore due to the dangers presented.

When this proved fruitless, the coastguard and fire brigade sent out helicopters.

They eventually found her in an area of undergrowth in the middle of the island which was difficult to reach and even more difficult to escape from.

She had become trapped there, but was freed by rescuers and flown to terra firma by helicopter.

The Irish woman did not have to go to hospital or see a doctor, and was left safely with the rest of her group on the Los Tranquilos beach.