Fowey RNLI volunteers in five hour search for kayaker as abandoned kayak found

Raising the alarm, a member of the public said how he had met a kayaker the previous day at lunchtime. On setting out again the next day he had found the same kayak discarded on rocks between Gribbin Head and Polkerris with the paddle on board but no sign of the kayaker.

He raised his concerns with the Coastguard who decided to instigate a search.

The volunteer crew members of both RNLI lifeboats searched for five hours both close into shore and further out into St Austell Bay. They liaised with the St Austell and Polruan Mobile Coastguards walking the cliffs and the search and rescue helicopter from Newquay.

A personal flotation device was discovered in the water during the search operation, but later new information was received that the kayaker had been found safely ashore and the operation was stood down.

Coxswain Malcolm Richardson said: 'If in doubt always contact the emergency services on 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Regardless of the outcome, however much we have to do in whatever the conditions – it is always better to be safe than sorry.'

The lifeboats were returned to station and made ready for service by 3.30pm.

For more information please contact Cath Beard, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Fowey RNLI on 07969 693218. For urgent calls out of hours please contact the Duty RNLI Press Officer on 01202 336789.

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