Mumbles and Horton and Port Eynon lifeboats save man in kayak

The Mumbles All Weather Lifeboat was about to start a training exercise and immediately made its way to the area. The Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat was launched and both boats started to search the area. An Air Sea Rescue helicopter also assisted in the search.

The man, who was visiting Gower, was located some 500 metres offshore, west of Port Eynon Point clinging to his Kayak. He had capsized. He was taken on board the All Weather Lifeboat and taken to Port Eynon Bay, where he was transferred to the Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat and taken ashore. The casualty was treated by Ambulance Paramedics at the Lifeboat Station in Horton. He was suffering from shock and cold but after treatment, was well enough to be taken to where he was staying.

The volunteer crew of the Mumbles All Weather Lifeboat was Nigel Garner (Coxswain), D. Thomas, J. Rice, J. Stewart, S. Ace, R. Jenkins, A. Evans and A. Edwards, whilst the crew members of the Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat were Stuart Payne (helm), Jon Tarrant and Jeremy Littlejohns .

Lawrie Grove, the Lifeboat Operations Manager of the Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat said ‘The kayak was difficult to find as the sea conditions were moderate and choppy with a strong westerly wind. The search was also being conducted over a relatively large area. The kayak had capsized and the man used his mobile phone to contact the coastguard. I would remind everyone when going to sea, to ensure that they have all the necessary safety equipment with them, including ideally, a VHF radio so that they can then raise the alarm and contact the Coastguard if they get into difficulty. They should also ensure that they are wearing the appropriate clothing. ’