Tenby Lifeboat crew rescue Kayaker washed onto rocks
Tenby’s RNLI all weather lifeboat launched shortly before 1pm today (10th September) following a report of a kayaker having been knocked out of her kayak by a large swell and sustaining several injuries
The Haydn Miller made best speed toward Stackpole, with the volunteer crew readying the 1st Aid equipment whilst enroute. Coastguard rescue helicopter Rescue 187 from St Athan was also tasked.
As the lifeboat arrived on scene, the casualty was discovered lying on her kayak, having been assisted back onto it by the crew of a rib that was in the area.
Due to the pain she was in, it was decided that the best (and most comfortable) way of getting her onto the lifeboat would be to float the kayak into the well at the stern of the lifeboat. Once aboard, the whole kayak was then lifted onto the deck of the boat, with the casualty still on it.
The injured lady was then checked over for injuries. It turned out she had been hit by a large swell which knocked her overboard. Whilst she was in the water, a further wave washed her onto rocks and then smashed the kayak into her ribs.
As the casualty was being made comfortable, the helicopter arrived and the Paramedic was lowered down to the lifeboat, before the helicopter landed on the cliff top to preserve fuel. The lifeboat crew then assisted the paramedic in getting the lady stabilised and ready to be winched up. Due to the nature of her injuries, the she was flown to the Heath hospital in Cardiff.
The lifeboat dropped the kayak back ashore before returning to station, arriving at 3.10pm.
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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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