Port St Mary RNLI assist kayakers caught out by tidal currents off Langness
RNLI Port St Mary’s D class inshore lifeboat, Frank Martin, was launched at 4.15pm on Monday 25 May 2026, after Isle of Man Coastguard received reports of a sit on kayak with two people on board in difficulty off Langness on the Isle of Man.
The alarm was raised by a member of the public who dialled 999, with the kayakers also later contacting the Coastguard.
The volunteer lifeboat crew of three launched and arrived on scene at 4.20pm where they located the kayak. The two kayakers had launched from Derbyhaven bay but after leaving the shelter of the bay experienced strong tidal currents running along the coastline and could not make progress against the tide.
Both kayakers were safe and well. The crew issued them with lifeboat lifejackets before safely bringing them back to Derbyhaven at 4.50pm where they were met by Coastguard officers. Both were checked over at the scene and there were no concerns for their welfare.
The lifeboat returned to Port St Mary and was cleaned, refuelled and ready for service again at 5.30pm.
Andy Mulhern, Operations Officer with Isle of Man Coastguard, said:
'We would like to thank the member of the public who made the call. Getting caught out by tidal conditions can happen quickly, so it’s important to check conditions and plan your route before heading out.
'We would remind anyone heading out on the water to always check the weather and tide times, understand local currents, carry a means of calling for help, ideally a VHF radio, and always wear suitable flotation devices.'
The RNLI is also encouraging anyone heading out on the water to wear a suitable personal flotation device and carry a reliable means of calling for help, such as a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or a VHF radio. Even in calm conditions, tidal currents around the Isle of Man coastline can be stronger than expected and conditions can change quickly.
RNLI Media Contacts
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information, please contact Gavin Callow, Port St Mary RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on
[email protected] or 07624 487088.
Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315. Or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.
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