Kilkeel RNLI launch to reported drifting kayak
Kilkeel RNLI volunteer crew launched at 4.20pm to respond to a call from the skipper of a fishing boat that a semi-submerged kayak was adrift at Leestone Point, north east of Kilkeel Harbour.
Conditions were good and the crew arrived quickly on scene. On examination of the kayak the crew found there was an algae growth on her bottom and no signs that it had been recently occupied and with no reports of a missing kayaker, the kayak was taken on board the lifeboat which then returned to the station.
Kilkeel Coastguard were in attendance.
Speaking afterwards John Fisher, Kilkeel RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘It is important that if a small craft is lost or abandoned that it is reported to the Coastguard. This will prevent any further reports by concerned members of the public or other persons.’
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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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