KAYAKING TOUR ENDS IN RESCUE AFTER FERRY CREW RAISE THE ALARM

The crew of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry MV ‘Loch Aline’ today raised the alarm after spotting a kayaker get into difficulties off the Isle of Bute. The ferry crew saw all three kayakers depart, one capsize and the other two carried on unaware. The one which capsized was the guide. They contacted Clyde Coastguard who co-ordinated the rescue at Rhubodach.
 
The vessel's crew reported that one kayaker was seen to fall out of a kayak whilst the other two kayakers carried on oblivious to the difficulty a member of their party was in.
 
Clyde Coastguard sent Rothsey Coastguard Rescue Team and Tighnabruaich RNLI inshore lifeboat to the scene. The Coastguard Rescue Team met two of the kayakers at Rhubodach whilst the kayaker who had become separated from the group was rescued by the lifeboat crew. A rescue helicopter, R178, was in transit and came to assist to locate the two kayakers who maintained their course. The crew of the aircraft R178 located both kayakers and acted as a communications link between ourselves and Tighnabruaich RNLI lifeboat. On being located the lifeboat crew took the two kayakers to the scene at Rhubodach where the guide was receiving medical attention.
 
It’s believed that the two kayakers were being given a lesson by a guide, who was at the back of the group and became separated. 
 
Daniel Sellers, Clyde Coastguard Watch manager said:
 
"These kayakers were lucky that the incident was seen by the ferry crew who quickly alerted us. Because the party didn’t stick together it could have been really difficult for us to find the lone, injured kayaker – particularly in poor weather conditions like we have today.
 
"If you go out in a group or with pals please stick together. That way if you get in to trouble they’ll be someone with you to raise the alarm and you’ll avoid a major search.”
 
 

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