French sea kayaker rescued in the Sound of Mull

A concerned resident alerted Stornoway coastguard after seeing the kayakers in the sound of Mull, with one of the kayakers having capsized. The kayaker executed a self-recovery but still appeared to be struggling with the sea conditions.

On arrival at the scene it was clear the kayaker that had capsized was struggling, so the coxswain took the decision to bring him aboard the lifeboat, and treat for immersion in cold water.

With the local volunteer coastguard team onshore, the second kayaker made his way to Salen pier under the supervision of the coastguard and the volunteer crew of the Tobermory lifeboat. Once on board the lifeboat crewmembers carried out first aid, at which time it was decided as a precaution to request an ambulance.

The casualty was transferred to Salen pier by means of the small inflatable carried on the Severn Class lifeboat with two crew members on board, where the casualty was handed over to the local ambulance service.

Tobermory lifeboat mechanic Paul Gunn said “This was a situation that could have turned much worse in a very short period of time. It is important regardless of the type of vessel or the level of experience, you should always ensure your intentions are known before going to sea”.

The Tobermory lifeboat returned to the berth and was made ready for service at 6.50pm.

Coxswain: David McHaffie, Mechanic: Paul ‘Gunny’Gunn, Crew: Donald Mitchell, Tony Spillane, Bruce Chapple, Dave Underwood, Michael Stirling.

RNLI media contacts:

Michael Stirling, Tobermory Lifeboat Press Officer on 07921 515686, [email protected] or [email protected]

Richard Smith, Public Relations Manager Scotland on 01738 642956, 07786 668903 or [email protected]

Or Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026, [email protected]

Or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

RNLI onlineFor more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/pressKey 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.​ 

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.