Islay RNLI search for overdue kayakers off Gigha
At 08.31am yesterday morning (July 19th) Islay’s volunteer crew were called to action after the RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch in the search for two overdue kayakers near the Isle of Gigha.
The Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II made good speed in calm, clear conditions to the west coast of Gigha to search. The local coastguard team reported spotting two kayakers heading for Cara Island south of Gigha. With the assistance of a local boat a RNLI crew member was able to get to the kayakers to confirm who they were and assess the situation. Both were safe and well.
While they had informed someone the previous evening of their trip, a concerned member of the public alerted the coastguard after not seeing them return to their vehicle by the next morning.
Islay RNLI Coxswain David MacLellan said: ’The crew and those involved are, as ever, very pleased that all was well, and they were found safe and well. We would urge anyone planning to enjoy being out on the water this summer to tell someone how long you will be out and where you are going. Wear appropriate gear for the conditions including a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and take a means of communicating, even a mobile phone, just in case you need help. Thank you to the nearby vessels who gave assistance and information in the search.’
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Kate Hannett, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Islay RNLI on 07415 599194 or email[email protected]
Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920 365929 or [email protected]
Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), 07826 900639 or [email protected]
RNLI Press Office 01202 336789 or [email protected]
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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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