
Both Swanage lifeboats tasked to kayakers in difficulties
Solent Coastguard requested the launch of both of Swanage's lifeboats when a passing yacht called a 'Mayday' when they found 6 kayaks struggling with the offshore wind and tide 1.5nm NE of Swanage.
Four kayakers were recovered from their craft and taken aboard the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) whilst the inshore lifeboat (ILB) went to look for the other 2 who were last seen paddling towards Old Harry Rocks to raise the alarm.
Thankfully the two missing kayakers had made it safely to shore at Knoll Beach and they called the UK Coastguard on 999 to alert them of the other kayakers in difficulties unaware that the lifeboats were already afloat looking for them.
The ALB brought the 4 kayakers to Knoll Beach where the ILB ferried them and their boats ashore. They were handed in to the care of the volunteers from Swanage Coastguard and both lifeboats were released to return to station just before 7.30pm.
Whenever you go afloat it is always important to check the wind and tide forecast before you set off. Strong breezes can make it difficult, or impossible to make progress, especially for inflatable paddleboards and kayaks. As the prevailing wind in Purbeck is south westerly which is offshore,there is a risk of being blown out to sea in breezy conditions, so please don't set off without checking the conditions, and the forecast ahead.
Please also always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, let someone know where you are going, when you are due back and carry a means of a communication.
ALB Crew: (Coxn) Gavin Steeden, John Deas, Bryan Jones, Sam Aggas, Alan Parmenter, Neil Brooks
ILB Crew: (Helm) Matthew Steeden, Richard Lloyd, Jamie Trumper
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Gary Buglass, (Winchman) Nigel Bower, Emily Condie, Julian Vass
RNLI volunteer media contact
For more information please telephone Becky Mack, Swanage RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 07812 558487 or at [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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