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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