St Davids RNLI searches for kayaker in Jack Sound
St Davids RNLI launched at 3:30pm on Saturday 23 September to search for a kayaker seen leaving Skokholm island and heading towards Martins Haven.
Whilst all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley was en-route to the search area, updated information advised that the kayaker was spotted just south of Jack Sound, the notorious stretch of water separating Skomer Island from the mainland.
Upon arrival, the kayaker was seen struggling on the edge of the Sound’s overfalls caused by an increasing ebb tide flowing against a strengthening southerly wind. Moments later the kayak capsized. St Davids RNLI were then faced with the challenge of pulling a casualty out of the overfalls, with numerous reefs and shallows nearby.
The volunteer crew hauled the casualty onboard, manoeuvred the lifeboat out of the dangerous overfalls, then returned to recover the kayak. The casualty was assessed and did not require further medical assistance. St Davids RNLI then headed to Martins Haven to rendezvous with Little Haven RNLI inshore lifeboat who took the casualty and kayak ashore. The lifeboats were stood down and returned to station, with the all-weather lifeboat rehousing at around 5pm.
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