Kyle RNLI called to 2 kayakers in the water and unable to reach the shore
Kyle of Lochalsh RNLI were called to assist 2 males who had gotten into difficulty in the Ardaneaskan area of Loch Carron, and were unable to reach the shore.
Kyle RNLI’s volunteer crew were paged at 8:38pm yesterday (21 May), after the UK Coastguard received reports of 2 kayakers without lifejackets in the water, who were struggling to get to shore against the current. Kyle lifeboat Spirit of Fred. Olsen launched at 8:45pm and made best speed towards the area, arriving just before 9pm. The UK Coastguard helicopter from Inverness and local Coastguard teams were also deployed and were making their way to the scene.
En route the crew received an update from the Coastguard to say the casualties had been recovered to the shore by some bystanders who launched their own kayaks and went out to assist them. However, one of the casualties was extremely cold and required medical attention, so the crew continued to the scene. The person requiring assistance had been taken to a nearby house, and once on scene 2 crew members were put ashore at 9:05pm to assess the casualty. The lifeboat crew provided medical assistance to the casualty until an ambulance from the Scottish Ambulance Service arrived. After a thorough assessment and examination of the gentleman, the UK Coastguard helicopter was stood down and the casualty was transported to hospital via ambulance. The lifeboat crew also spoke with the other kayaker to ensure he did not require any assistance, and he confirmed he was fit and well.
Kyle lifeboat then recovered a kayak which was drifting in the area to ensure it posed no future danger to shipping, before departing the scene at 10:55pm.
The lifeboat arrived back in Kyle at 11:10pm and was refuelled and made ready for service.
Daniel Elliot, Helm for Kyle of Lochalsh RNLI Lifeboat, says: ‘Luckily some people on shore heard the kayakers shouting for help, and called the emergency services before going out in their own kayaks to assist. It highlights the importance of being prepared, and always wearing a buoyancy aid or lifejacket when going out on the water.’ He also says: ‘This type of incident requires a multi-agency response, and our crew train regularly to ensure they can work seamlessly with partner agencies when needed.’
Notes to editors
· For further details of the casualty’s condition, please contact the Scottish Ambulance Service
· This is the 8th shout of 2024 for Kyle RNLI’s volunteer crew
RNLI media contacts
Andrew MacDonald, Kyle of Lochalsh Lifeboat Press Officer on 07748 707606 or [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, Regional Communications Manager on 07826 900639 or [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, Regional Communications Lead on 07920 365929 or [email protected]
Tom McGuire, Regional Communications Manager for Scotland and Ireland on [email protected]
RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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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