Troon RNLI lifeboat assists kayakers at Seamill
At 4.55pm on Sunday 9 August 2020, Belfast Coastguard requested the launch of the stations all-weather lifeboat after reports of an inflatable kayak drifting offshore with 3 persons on board near Seamill.
The volunteer crew assembled and launched RNLI Trent class all-weather lifeboat
RNLB Jim Moffat to assist. Also tasked by Belfast Coastguard was the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team.
Whilst on route the lifeboat crew prepared the Trents daughter boat, the XP boat, for launch. The Coastguard then informed the lifeboat that the 3 persons and their kayak were now on Scart Rock.
Ardrossan Coastguard also advised the lifeboat that there were two other kayaks that were observed to be being blown offshore near Horse Island. Whilst on route the lifeboat crew traced and spoke with the kayakers and all was well.
The all-weather lifeboat then continued to Scart Rock where the XP boat was launched and took the three persons along with their kayak to the beach.
With everyone safely ashore, the XP boat was recovered and the crew were informed by Belfast Coastguard that they could return to station however the lifeboat was then approached by a small pleasure boat informing the crew about the initial two kayaks who appeared to be struggling due to the conditions.
The crew once again approached the two kayaks, one rigid and one inflatable, and offered assistance ashore which was accepted. The 2 persons and their kayaks were brought onboard the lifeboat. The lifeboat went close to the shore by Seamill to allow the two to return ashore at a closer distance, but despite being closer the inflatable kayak was struggling against the wind. The XP boat was re launched to assist the inflatable kayak to the beach where they were met by the Ardrossan Coastguard Team.
With all persons and kayaks ashore, the all weather lifeboat returned to station where it was refuelled and made ‘ready for service’ wit the assistance of the shore crew.
Speaking following the callout, Troon Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond said, ‘As part of the RNLI ‘Respect The Water’ campaign, we would recommend that kayakers should always carry a means of communication when putting to sea and to keep it on you at all times when you're kayaking. This means that if you capsize or get into trouble, you can call for help and increase your chances of survival. Examples of this include a mobile phone in a waterproof case, a VHF radio or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).’
‘Remember also to wear appropriate clothing for the conditions along with a personal floatation device (buoyancy aid). Always remember to check the weather and tides before you go out.’
For more information on kayaks and water safety please visit:
https://rnli.org/…/choose-your-activi…/kayaking-and-canoeing
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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 142,700 lives.
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