Craster RNLI lifeboat launched to assist a person in the water

The volunteer crew were paged at 10.47am by HM Coastguard following reports of a kayaker in distress, approximately three miles north of Craster.

A crew of three launched aboard the charity’s D class inshore lifeboat, D-839 James Ballard, making best speed towards the casualty’s last known position in moderate sea conditions.

As the lifeboat approached Newton Point, further information was received from HM Coastguard confirming that the kayaker had managed to make his way ashore at Football Hole, a small secluded beach just north of Newton Point, named after its distinctive football-like shape.

The lifeboat crew quickly located the casualty on the beach, with one volunteer crew member going ashore to assess his condition and offer assistance.

Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) from Howick Coastguard Rescue Team, supported by Seahouses Coastguard Rescue Team, attended the scene and assisted the casualty. With the casualty safely in the care of the Coastguard Rescue Teams, Craster RNLI lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

The CRT then assisted the kayaker in recovering his kayak from the beach and transporting it back to his vehicle, allowing him to return home safely.

Andy, volunteer Lifeboat Helm at Craster RNLI, said: 'We train week in, week out for exactly this type of tasking. Reports of a person in the water are always treated as serious and time-critical, particularly at this time of year when cold water can quickly become life-threatening, it was great to see him wearing a lifejacket and dry suit.

'We also had one of our newer volunteer crew members Sam Jones on board today for his first shout. This was a valuable opportunity for him to experience a real operational tasking and see first-hand how quickly situations can develop, along with the importance of teamwork and working closely with our Coastguard colleagues.

'It was a positive outcome for everyone involved, and we are pleased the kayaker made it safely ashore.'

The RNLI would also like to recognise the actions of the first informant, who remained on scene, maintained visual contact with the kayaker and provided regular updates to HM Coastguard, helping emergency services locate the casualty quickly.

The RNLI reminds anyone heading out onto the water to check weather, tide and sea conditions, wear a suitable personal flotation device and carry a means of calling for help.

If you see someone in difficulty at sea or along the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Cowan, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Craster RNLI, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [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.