HM Coastguard and PSNI in search operation at Ormeau Bridge in Belfast

By Philip Bradfield
Published 21st Jan 2026, 10:16 BST
Updated 21st Jan 2026, 16:31 BST

The Police and Coastguard are involved in a search and rescue operation at the Lagan River in Belfast.

HM Coastguard said it had assisted the PSNI with an incident at Ormeau Bridge, Belfast, reported at about 7.30am today, 21 January.

Emergency services are at the scene of an ongoing rescue incident at the River Lagan in Belfast, on Wednesday 21 January 2026. Rescue 199, the coastguard helicopter, was also overhead assisting with the search operation. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eyeplaceholder image
Emergency services are at the scene of an ongoing rescue incident at the River Lagan in Belfast, on Wednesday 21 January 2026. Rescue 199, the coastguard helicopter, was also overhead assisting with the search operation. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye

An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and Irish Coast Guard helicopter were both sent to the scene.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service also attended.

Emergency services are at the scene of an ongoing rescue incident at the River Lagan in Belfast, on 21 January 2026. Rescue 199, the coastguard helicopter, was overhead assisting with the search operation. Photo by Press Eyeplaceholder image
Emergency services are at the scene of an ongoing rescue incident at the River Lagan in Belfast, on 21 January 2026. Rescue 199, the coastguard helicopter, was overhead assisting with the search operation. Photo by Press Eye

The PSNI said the operation relates to a concern for a man’s safety but offered no further details.

It is reported that emergency services attended after someone was seen entering the water.

The Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to the incident at 6:55am today.

Three Specialist Rescue Teams and three fire appliances attended - one appliance each from Central, Cadogan and Knock Fire Stations.

Emergency services are at the scene of an ongoing rescue incident at the River Lagan in Belfast, near the Ormeau Bridge. Photo: Press Eye.placeholder image
Emergency services are at the scene of an ongoing rescue incident at the River Lagan in Belfast, near the Ormeau Bridge. Photo: Press Eye.

A Fire Service spokesperson said they were called to reports of a water rescue at Ormeau Bridge.

"Firefighters, along with other emergency services, carried out a search and no persons were located in the vicinity of the area," she said.

"The incident was handed over to the PSNI and Firefighters left the scene at 9.36am.”

As of 4:15pm today, Wednesday, police said the search has not been concluded.

News you can trust since 1737
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice