TWO KAYAKERS RESCUED FROM SEA OFF POINT LYNAS, NORTH WALES

At just before 1pm Holyhead Coastguard received a 999 call from a vigilant member of the public reporting that two kayakers were in the water 1.5 miles off Point Lynas.

The RNLI All-weather lifeboat from Moelfre and RAF rescue helicopter from Valley went straight to the scene. Holyhead Coastguard broadcast an alert to all vessels in the area. When the lifeboat and helicopter arrived on scene they found that a group of three kayakers, who had heard the broadcast,had gone to help the kayakers in difficulty. The second group of kayakers had a vhf radio and smoke flare with them and so were able to talk directly to the rescue helicopter and guide it in.

Both kayakers were rescued from the sea by the helicopter. One needed medical attention and so was taken directly to hospital. The group of kayakers who went to help were met by Moelfre Coastguard Rescue Team and thanked for their assistance.

Mark Craddock, Holyhead Coastguard Watch Manager said;

“From this afternoon’s incident you can see why we recommend that kayakers should carry hand held flares, vhf radio and a charge mobile phone. The two kayakers had spent 40 minutes in the water trying to get back to their kayaks and attract attention. Luckily for them they were spotted by a member of the public at the Port Eilian Caravan site and so we were able to get them the help they needed.

“Kayakers should tell the Coastguard and a shore contact when they are going out and where they are going so we know where to start looking if they don’t return. They should also check weather and tides before they go out.”

 -Ends-

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