Busy Period continues for Horton and Port Eynon RNLI

The lifeboat’s crew spotted the Canadian-style canoe in open water, between the East Helwick Buoy, just off Port Eynon Point, and Overton. One of the canoeists was in the canoe, but the other was in the water hanging onto the back of the canoe. They were some distance from the shore.

The canoe had capsized and filled with water, making it both difficult to right and to climb back aboard. Despite trying for some time, neither canoeist could make it back into the canoe. The crew of the lifeboat took the canoeists on board the lifeboat. One was extremely cold and was put into a survival bag on the lifeboat. After emptying the water out of the canoe it was towed back to Port Eynon. The cold canoeist was taken to the boathouse to warm up. The alarm had been raised by a former RNLI crew member.

The volunteer crew of the lifeboat were Will Metcalfe (helm), Jon Tarrant and Jeremy Littlejohns.

A Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat spokesperson said, ‘Friday evening was warm and the sea was calm. Port Eynon Bay was busy with many people on the beach and a number of boats and paddleboarders on the water. This scene can lull people into a false sense of security. At the time of the incident, the tide was going out which means the water around Port Eynon Point appears rough and difficult to paddle through. The canoeists were to the west of the Point and so their return would, in any event, have been difficult. It is critical that even when it is warm on land, when venturing onto the water you should wear appropriate clothing and ideally, if on a paddleboard or canoe, wear wetsuits. You can get cold in the water very quickly as one of the canoeists discovered. You should also wear a lifejacket and carry with you a telephone (in a waterproof bag) or a radio to call for help if needed. I would also advise people to check the weather, tides and wind conditions before going out on the water. ’

Just over 12 hours later, shortly before 10.30am this morning (Saturday 3rd June), the lifeboat was again launched after a report of a yacht in difficulty. However, when the crew of the lifeboat spoke to the crew of the yacht, they discovered that all was well and no assistance was required.

Notes to editors

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