Clacton RNLI’s volunteers save two kayakers near to Gunfleet Wind Farm
Clacton RNLI’s volunteers save two kayakers near to Gunfleet Wind Farm
Lifeboats News Release
The volunteers of Clacton RNLI were requested to launch by the UK Coastguard after receiving a call from a capsized kayaker near to the Gunfleet Wind Farm, four miles south of Clacton-on-sea.
Pete Inman
Clacton’s D class inshore lifeboat returning with kayak
Just before 10am on 4 May, both of Clacton RNLI’s inshore lifeboats were launched by the volunteer crew at the request of the UK Coastguard, to a report of two kayakers in trouble.
Clacton’s D class Arthur Hamilton was the first to launch and made straight for the wind farm with three crew. On nearing the wind farm a black dot was spotted towards the western end, and on approaching an oar was seen being waved.
Once alongside, the casualty who was quickly pulled into the lifeboat expressed concern for their fellow kayaker. At this moment the Atlantic class lifeboat
David Porter MPS arrived on scene and was instantly directed in which direction to search for the second kayaker while the first was cared for by the D class crew. The crew of the Atlantic 85 quickly located the second kayaker who had managed to get back on top of his kayak.
Both kayakers were suffering from the effects of exposure and immersion in the cold sea. They were quickly taken back to the lifeboat station where they were attended to by off duty ambulance staff, who happen to be volunteer lifeboat crew, while awaiting the arrival of the ambulance that had been requested.
Adrian Rose, Helmsman had this to say; ‘We are glad we could help these two kayakers today and feel that their lives have been saved due to our ability to make a quick response, and that they managed to request help using a mobile phone. Due to their position they were unlikely to have been seen from the shore, and the wind today was pushing them further out to sea.’
Mr Rose went on to say; We highly recommend the use of dedicated means of alerting distress, such as the RYA SafeTrx App which can save vital minutes in an emergency.’
Notes to editor
D class inshore lifeboat Arthur Hamilton from the relief fleet is currently on station while Damarkand IV is away awaiting repair.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Richard Wigley volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07903424698 or [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Photo: RNLI/Pete Inman
Clacton’s Atlantic class lifeboat returning with kayak
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.
