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Two people plucked to safety by Penarth lifeboat in dramatic rescue.

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI volunteers from Penarth Lifeboat Station rescue two people from the sea at Lavernock point this afternoon, 4:30pm on 22nd December 2017.

Two kayakers got into difficulty in the icy cold waters around Sully Island. Fortunately they had a VHF radio with them and used this to call for help as one of the two was in the water and unable to self-rescue.

Using its direction finding equipment the lifeboat was able to locate the pair, even though the weather was foggy and visibility was very poor. On arrival, members of the lifeboat crew were able to get both kayakers into the safety of the lifeboat and administer first aid. One casualty was in need of additional medical support and was transported to hospital by land ambulance from Penarth Lifeboat Station.

A number of agencies were involved in this rescue, including HM Coastguard Officers from Penarth, South Wales Police and specialist resources from the ambulance service.

Jason Dunlop, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Penarth RNLI Station said, "There is no doubt that the kayakers were saved by having good equipment with them, including that all important VHF radio. We would encourage all kayakers to ensure they are suitably equipped when out on the water.


Notes to editors:

For more information please contact Andy Berry, Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07951051128 or Chris Cousens, RNLI Regional Media Officer, Wales and West, on 07748 265496 or 01745 585162 or by email on [email protected].

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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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