Invergordon Lifeboat called into action after report of capsized kayaker
Aberdeen’s HM Coastguard requested the launch of the RNLI Invergordon Lifeboat at 3.23pm Sunday 13th October to locate and assist a sole kayaker in difficulty off Saltburn Pier.
Arriving on scene some 2 minutes after leaving the West Harbour berth, a yellow up turned kayak was spotted around 20 metre's from shoreline, with no persons visible. It was soon discovered that the single kayaker was assisted ashore by a team of two First Responder's who are part of Alness First Responder', who happened to be in the area of the time of difficulty, who also carried out an assessment to which no injuries were reported.
The ALB crew quickly secured the kayak and brought this and belongings which were floating in the area on-board the lifeboat for a quick transit back to Invergordon West Harbour.
Invergordon Lifeboat spokesperson Michael MacDonald stated “After such an unfortunate incident, this brings home the water safety element of kayaking. Conditions can change quickly and, if you’re not prepared, you can easily get caught out. More can be found online at http://www.rnli.org/safety
The Lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service by 4.30pm.
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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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