Kyle RNLI called to assist canoeing family in trouble off Applecross Peninsula
Kyle of Lochalsh RNLI's volunteer crew were paged at 12:35pm Friday 25th May, after an urgent ‘Pan Pan’ radio message was received from a group of canoeists in difficulty due to the worsening choppy & windy conditions
Kyle lifeboat Spirit of Fred. Olsen launched at 12:44pm at the request of the UK Coastguard after the urgent ‘Pan Pan’ VHF radio message was received from a family group out in a canoe. The lifeboat made best speed north towards the groups last known position east of Toscaig on the Applecross peninsula, and arrived on scene just before 1:00pm.
The lifeboat crew quickly located the family group of 2 adults and a 3 year old child, who had safely made it to shore and were sheltering from the swell. 2 crew members went ashore to ensure everyone was accounted for, and to ensure there were no injuries. Once it was established everyone was safe and well, the crew transferred the casualties to the lifeboat and took the canoe under tow back to Toscaig, where the group had set off from.
At 1:25pm, the lifeboat crew transferred the casualties to Toscaig beach before setting off back to Kyle. The lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service at 1:50pm.
Speaking of the incident, a spokesperson said ‘The family group consisted of 5 people in kayaks and a canoe. They were well prepared and set off from Toscaig in good weather, however the conditions soon worsened. The 2 kayaks lost sight of the canoe in the choppy conditions, and they did the correct thing by alerting the emergency services.’
Notes to editors:
- For further information on the casualties, please contact the UK Coastguard
- Please credit pictures to Kyle RNLI
- The first picture shows 2 crew members going ashore to ensure the casualties were ok
- The second picture shows the family onboard the lifeboat and their canoe being towed back to Toscaig
RNLI media contacts:
Andrew MacDonald, Kyle of Lochalsh RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 07748 707606 or [email protected]
Or Henry Weaver, RNLI Public Relations Manager Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026, [email protected]
Or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.
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.