Injured Kayaker Rescued By Holyhead RNLI

HM Coastguard reported that one of the kayakers had suffered a dislocated shoulder, and required treatment and evacuation from the Skerries islands, approximately seven miles off the Holyhead coast.

Pagers sounded just before 1.30pm, first requesting the launch of the relief all-weather, Severn-class lifeboat Volunteer Spirit, and shortly afterwards the launch of the inshore lifeboat Mary and Archie Hooper.

All volunteers headed immediately to the lifeboats; both were launched within minutes, and were with the kayaker by 2pm. Two casualty care-trained crew from the inshore lifeboat were transferred onto the island to assess the casualty, who was in a lot of discomfort.

Entonox was taken from the all-weather lifeboat and used by a crew member to make the casualty more comfortable. The other kayakers were found to be fit and well, and while their friend was being treated, assisted the crew to move the injured man’s kayak on to the all-weather lifeboat.

Once the injured man was stable, the inshore lifeboat carefully transferred him to the larger lifeboat, to be safely brought back to shore. One casualty care-trained inshore crew volunteer went aboard the Volunteer Spirit to stay with and monitor the casualty.

The remaining three kayakers then headed back towards Carmel Head, and both lifeboats made their way back to Holyhead, where they were met with a relative of the casualty, who then took him to hospital to be treated further.

The all-weather lifeboat then headed back to her berth within the Holyhead Port area, and the inshore lifeboat was recovered to the lifeboat station. Crew had a full debrief, and both lifeboats were prepared for any further calls by 4pm.

Speaking of the rescue, Holyhead coxswain Tony Price said:

‘This was a service call which was a true team effort, and showed how even a very experienced and prepared kayaker found himself helpless, and our assistance was given, as always, without question. Well done to everyone involved – and particularly to the group of kayakers who had a safety plan and means of communication to call for help when they got into trouble. We wish the man a full and speedy recovery.’

For any further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07531 681409, or email [email protected]

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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.

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