Kitesurfer rescued in 'near gale force winds'

RNLI rescuers said the casualty was clinging on to a mooring buoy

A kitesurfer was found clinging to a mooring buoy in the sea in "near gale force winds".

Barrow RNLI rescued the casualty by Roa Island, near the Furness Peninsula in Cumbria, on Sunday afternoon as Storm Ashley battered the country.

Although the weather was "bright and clear", rescuers said, the wind was blowing at force 7 to 8 - meaning it was ranging from 32 to 46mph.

An RNLI spokesman said: "The casualty had tried to swim to the shore but in the strengthening wind was unable make any progress."

He added the kitesurfer had "become separated" from the board and had been in the water for about 20 minutes when the lifeboat reached them.