Llandudno RNLI rescue two missing kayakers
Llandudno RNLI were alerted by the UK Coastguard at 1.19pm on Sunday 17th March following an emergency call requesting them to launch and search the coastline in the vicinity of Colwyn Bay for two missing kayakers reported to be in a potentially perilous situation.
Llandudno’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat William F Yates and her volunteer crew launched at 1.35 pm to conduct an urgent search for two kayakers who had become separated from other members of a canoe club and were struggling against a flooding tide and 25 knot winds.
The two kayakers, a father and daughter, were located at 2.00pm approximately two miles off the coast and were brought aboard the lifeboat where they were assessed by crew before being taken to Llandudno Lifeboat Station at 2.40pm. Both casualties were well equipped and sensibly stayed together until being rescued which made a huge difference to the outcome. They were very relieved to return safe and well to Llandudno where they were reunited with their fellow club members.
Coxswain Graham Heritage said: ‘in rough conditions, the excellent observation work of the volunteer crew allowed us to locate the kayakers so quickly after launching'.
Graham went on to add: 'This was a great outcome potentially seeing the saving of two lives, and again highlights the collective endeavours of the Llandudno Lifeboat, Caernarfon based Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, and the Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team'.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Jonathan Coe, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on 07910 861193. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Media Officer on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390 or email [email protected].
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.