FOUR RESCUED FROM SINKING KAYAK

Father and son have been rescued from the sea after their kayak sunk off Plymouth this afternoon.

Brixham Coastguard received a call at 1:18pm from a member of the public who had been out walking on the cliff tops at Wembury Point when he heard cries for help from people in the water.

Coastguard Rescue officers from Plymouth were sent to the scene and the RNLI inshore and all weather lifeboats from Plymouth were requested to launch. The Rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor was scrambled, but later stood down. Also requested on scene was the South West Ambulance.

Matt Thornhill, Watch Officer, Brixham Coastguard said:

“We understand that there were up to four people in a Canadian kayak, which has now sunk off Wembury Point. All are now safe after being rescued by the inshore lifeboat and taken to land. Two of the four, a father and son have been taken to Derriford Hospital.

It was very fortunate that a member of the public heard their cries for help, as they had been in the water for approximately forty minutes. All four casualties were wearing buoyancy aides but had no means of contacting anyone or raising the alarm and were inappropriately dressed for the weather conditions on scene, which were force 3 with a sea temperature of 9 degrees Celsius. Had they been in the water any longer according to our data there was a 50% chance of survival.

We cannot stress how important it is to be properly prepared when out on the water. To keep safe follow our five key safety messages:

·         Get trained
·         Check the weather and tides
·         Wear a lifejacket
·         Avoid alcohol
·         Keep in touch.

For more information visit www.dft.co.uk/mca Leisure and the Seaside to learn how you can stay safe on the coast.”
-Ends-

Notes to Editors:


                                                                                                                     
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For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Duty Press Officer
Office hours: 023 8032 9401
Mobile: 07764 624 505
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.dft.gov.uk/mca

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