Kippford RNLI Rescue Kayaker
The volunteer crew at Kippford RNLI were requested to launch by the UK Coastguard just before 4pm on Monday 25th October 2021 to a report of a kayaker who had capsized and was stranded.
The volunteer crew at Kippford RNLI were requested to launch by the UK Coastguard just before 4pm on Monday 25th October 2021 to a report of a kayaker who had capsized and was stranded.
D-854 ‘Ronnie Sinclair’ headed for the last known position of the kayaker and arrived on scene to find the casualty had been able to clamber on to a rocky outcrop whilst the kayak had washed ashore a little further along the coast line. Due to breaking waves on the rocks, helm John Robertson gave the instruction to maintain the boats position using the anchor allowing a careful approach to the casualty.
The casualty was safely recovered into the boat and the crew made best speed back to Kippford lifeboat station. The kayaker was very cold and tired after spending quite some time in the water before being spotted by passing walkers on the coastal path.
The crew then returned to the scene to retrieve the kayak. Working alongside Portling Coastguard team it was safely recovered. The lifeboat returned to station and was refuelled and made ready for service.
Kippford Lifeboat Press Officer Laura Wilson said, “The kayaker was very fortunate to have been spotted by a group of walkers and they were able to pinpoint his location which assisted greatly with a speedy rescue. Although familiar with the area and a competent kayaker he was unlucky to be caught out by a change in the weather and wave conditions. We’d urge everyone taking part in coastal activities to have a means of calling for help and if they get in difficulty call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”
Notes to editors
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Laura Wilson, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Kippford RNLI on 07756 125917 or email [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920 365929 or [email protected]
Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), 07826 900639 or [email protected]
RNLI Press Office 01202 336789 or [email protected]
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
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 over 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 142,200 lives.
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 142,700 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.