Moelfre RNLI volunteers save the life of doomed Kayaker
Moelfre RNLI lifeboat ‘Kiwi’ and its volunteer crew launched shortly before 1:00pm on Sunday 28 January, to reports from vigilant walkers on Anglesey infamous coastal path of a red distress flare sighted to the north of Moelfre
The volunteer crew, already at the station following a routine exercise, were tasked by Holyhead coastguard to the incident and launched within seven minutes of being alerted. Once in the vicinity of the reported flare sighting, the eagle-eyed walker was able to advise the coastguard to the rough location of the flare. From there the all-weather lifeboat under command of coxswain Robin Baker conducted a search for the casualty. During the first leg of the search pattern the crew members aboard the all-weather lifeboat spotted a man clinging to an upturned sea kayak and proceeded straight to him. Once alongside, the man was clearly suffering from confusion, exhaustion and the effects of cold water sock, all of which are signs of Hypothermia and he was barely able to hold himself above water.
Crew member Daniel Lewis entered the water to support the man whilst the lifeboat crew prepared for their recovery. Once on-board the lifeboat, the man explained he had been overcome by the squally conditions and capsized. Although he had some safety equipment on-board his kayak, he was unable to self-recover due to the strong offshore winds and choppy seas. Once fatigue kicked in he attempted to raise the alarm, but lost his first flare into the water and his mobile phone didn’t operate. The red distress flare that was spotted ashore was his final hope in raising the alarm.
Once back at the lifeboat station the awaiting ambulance crew assessed the man and released him once his core temperature recovered to an acceptable level.
The man later explained that he had been in the water for approximately forty minutes and although experience in kayaking he was simply overcome with fatigue and cold water shock. He explained that he hadn’t informed anyone of his trip, plans or location, and praised the vigilant walker for spotting his distress flare and said:
“I knew I was in a life threatening situation…I thought I was going to die”
RNLI crew at the station remind water users that although experience and training is essential when venturing into open or coastal waters, please ensure you notify a family member or the coastguard of your intentions and carry suitable distress equipment and means of communication.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.