Tenby RNLI lifeboats rescue kayaker from rocks after capsize
Both of Tenby’s RNLI lifeboats launched shortly before 4pm today (18th May) after Milford Haven Coastguard received a call from a gentleman stating that his friend had disappeared from sight.
He was unable to get back into his kayak following a capsize off West Moor cliff in a fresh offshore breeze. Both RNLI lifeboats were quickly on the water, with the volunteer crew making best speed toward the casualty’s position.
Once on scene, the lifeboats were directed towards the casualty by a local fishing boat that had spotted him swimming towards the rocks and had stood-by whilst he made his way ashore. The inshore lifeboat went into the rocks and took the casualty aboard.
He was then transferred to the all-weather RNLI lifeboat to be checked over whilst awaiting the arrival of rescue helicopter 187 from St Athan. The helicopter was soon overhead and winched the casualty up and then landed him on Freshwater East beach where paramedics were waiting to check him over.
The casualty was feeling cold and unwell so it was decided that he should be flown to Withybush Hospital, accompanied by one of the Paramedics.
Both lifeboats were then stood down, arriving back at station at about 5.30pm.
Media Contacts
For more information, please contact Lifeboat Press Officer (LPO) Ben James on 07971 463716 or Danielle Rush, Divisional Media Relations Manager (Wales and West) on 07786 668829 or 01745 585162. Alternatively contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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