Both Tenby lifeboats launched after freak wave swamps kayak off Barafundle
Both of Tenby’s RNLI lifeboats were requested to launch shortly after 10.30am am on Monday 7th May following a report to Milford Haven Coastguard that a kayak had capsized off Barafundle, leaving a person in the water.
The lifeboats were soon on the water and made best speed towards the scene, nine miles west of Tenby.
As the lifeboats were approaching Barafundle, they were met by a local fishing vessel which had heard the Coastguard calling for any vessel in the area and had responded. They now had the casualty, his companion and both kayaks aboard.
The inshore lifeboat went alongside the fishing vessel and transferred both people to the all-weather lifeboat.
Once aboard, the casualty that had entered was warmed up and checked over to ensure he didn’t need any medical attention. Apart from being very cold, he was none the worse for his ordeal.
It turned out they had left Stackpole earlier, with the aim of fishing. Whilst off Barafundle, a freak wave swamped one of the kayaks, knocking the occupant, who wasn’t wearing a life jacket, into the water. He couldn’t get back in and got cold very quickly. Luckily, he was able to hang onto his friend’s kayak until help arrived.
Once warmed up, both kayakers were returned to Barafundle where they were met by members of Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team, before the lifeboats returned to station, arriving at 11.55am.
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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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