Both boats launch in search of kayaker

With winds were strengthening and light was fading, they had not seen it return, so this was reported to HM Coastguard who requested the launch of the Swanage lifeboats.

At 8:32pm the volunteer crew members were paged to launch both the Shannon and D-Class lifeboats. At 8:49pm both boats were at sea beginning a shoreline search and checking the inshore waters between Durlston Bay and Dancing Ledge. A team from Swanage Coastguard had headed to Dancing Ledge and received information from hikers on the SW Coastal Path that the kayaker was indeed in that area.

Just after 9:00pm the Coastguard Rescue Team had encountered a person who matched the description of the kayaker. That person confirmed that they had paddled to Dancing Ledge and were intending to camp the night before moving on the next day. Solent Coastguard, satisfied that the incident was safely concluded, stood down all the search assets and the lifeboats returned to their station.

The lifeboats rehoused at 9:27pm.

When you head out on the water, always have a means of calling for help, wear a buoyancy device, or lifejacket, check the weather and tides and tell someone of your plans.

ALB Crew: (Coxn) Gavin Steeden, Tom Greasty, John Deas, Becky Mack, Neil Brooks, Scott Turner
ILB Crew: (Helm) Fergus Holley, Phil Palmer, Sam Aggas, Ben Bamber

Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Paul Meacham, Dave Turnbull, (Winch) Robert Aggas, Darren Tomes, Archie Burgess

RNLI Media Contacts

Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]

Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.