Port Erin RNLI assist kayaker in Force 5 offshore wind
Port Erin RNLI's inshore lifeboat B-813 Muriel and Leslie was launched on service in Sunday morning (31 May) at 10.46am following a report that a young adult in a kayak was struggling to make way in a Force 5 offshore wind in Port Erin Bay.
The lifeboat located a person in a kayak at Spaldrick bay. The young male was fatigued with battling the wind. The volunteer crew conducted a close escort with the kayak safely back to Port Erin Beach.
Once the kayaker was safe and sound on land the lifeboat made its way safely back to the station at 11.15am.
Speaking following the call out, Port Erin RNLI Helm Tony Mitchell said:
'The crew responded extremely professionally with the current Covid-19 pandemic maintaining social distancing is difficult on the Atlantic 85 Inshore Lifeboat.'
Speaking following the call out, Port Erin RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Phil Crellin said: 'The kayak was reported to be battling the offshore wind so I decided to launch the lifeboat just to make sure it could get back to the beach. It is always best to be cautious on this type of call. I would ask every one to check wind direction and tide before entering the water. Thankfully everyone was safe and well this time. Thank you to the crew.'
Port Erin Helm Tony Mitchell added: 'I would recommend if anyone is partaking in any recreational water sports to please have a means of communication either it be a mobile phone in a waterproof case or a hand-held VHF radio for if you do get into trouble. I would recommend you tell someone where you are going and how long you will be. Please check the weather, it may be nice and warm but the sea will still be cold and the tidal current is strong, it's amazing how quickly it can take to be swept off the harbour. And please wear a lifejacket.'
Ends
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