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Holyhead D-class Crew Assist Lone Kayaker

Lifeboats News Release

Holyhead RNLI inshore crew were called out yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 3 July) to assist a kayaker in trouble within Holyhead harbour.

Holyhead RNLI/Mike Munro

Holyhead volunteers launching on Wednesday

Pagers sounded just after 4.45pm, requesting the immediate launch of the D-class inshore lifeboat. It was initially reported by HM Coastguard, who were observing the scene from their base at Newry Beach, that one kayaker was in the water, and another was on the rocks nearby. Volunteers gathered at the lifeboat station quickly, and the lifeboat, ‘Mary and Archie Hooper’ launched within four minutes.

The lifeboat headed straight to the scene, reported as near the slipway at Bolsach. On arriving at the location at 4.53pm one casualty was immediately located clinging onto a kayak. His buoyancy aid was riding above his head as no clutch strap was on the aid, and the zip was also broken.

The casualty was retrieved onto the lifeboat and assessed for any injuries or any intake of water. He was found to be well apart from feeling cold, so a blanket was placed over him. His kayak was then retrieved. A sending kayak, with no person on board, was also spotted, but the casualty informed the crew that there was no one aboard the 2nd kayak, and he was alone with them both.

The lifeboat then proceeded to the Bolsach slipway to hand the casualty over to the care of the Holyhead volunteer coastguard team. The casualty’s kayak was also placed on land, and the lifeboat volunteers then returned to retrieve the second kayak, which was also taken to the slipway.

The casualty was given some suitable advice regarding using correct personal protective equipment, before the lifeboat crew were released by HM Coastguard, and he was then left with the cliff rescue volunteers.

The lifeboat headed back to the lifeboat station, and was washed and prepared for any further calls by 5.30pm.

Holyhead Lifeboat Operations Manager David Owens said:

‘We always advice anyone enjoying the local waters to be wearing a suitable, well-maintained buoyancy aid or lifejacket, even if they are close to shore.’

He added,

‘We’re glad that on this occasion we were able to reach the casualty extremely quickly, and he was safe and well after this incident. Our thanks as always go to our coastguard volunteer colleagues for their swift attendance to assist us with this gentleman.’

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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