Donate now

Overdue kayakers spark large multi-agency search

Lifeboats News Release

Swanage RNLI's duty launch authority was contacted by the UK Coastguard this afternoon when a report was received of 2 kayakers that were 4 hours overdue

Swanage ALB near Old Harry Rocks

RNLI

Swanage ALB near Old Harry Rocks
The kayakers had hired a double kayak in Lulworth Cove and the alarm was raised when they failed to return.

Swanage lifeboat, both Weymouth lifeboats, the CG Helicopter and Lulworth Coastguard were all tasked to assist in the search.

Swanage lifeboat was tasked to carry out a shoreline search from Chapman's Pool to Lulworth Cove looking for either the kayak or the two people. This was done but as the lifeboat was leaving Warbarrow Bay information was received that the kayak had been found ashore at Stair Hole near Lulworth but the people were still missing. The search continued with all assets now focused on searching for two people possibly in the water.

After 2 hours of searching and with nothing found the UK Coastguard stood the search down pending further information and all units were released to return to their stations.

Watercraft, equipment or clothing left on a shoreline can often be reported for concerns of missing people. We urge everyone to take all items home with them and if you hire equipment to always return the watercraft to the point of hire and if it is not possible to do this, please let the hire company know.

ALB Crew: (Coxn) Dave Turnbull, Robert Aggas, John Deas, Becky Mack, Roydon Woodford, Alice Haw
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Andy Redout, (Winchman) Nigel Bower, Gavin Steeden, 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]

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

Categories