Capsized Kayak Sparks Search Off Devon Coast



A distinctive camouflaged kayak one mile South East of Start Point  was reported to Falmouth Coastguard on Saturday, and sparked an air and sea search involving Salcombe RNLI Lifeboats, Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue Team and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter. A thorough search of the area was carried out with no sightings of anyone in the water. 
The kayak was submerged in the water, with a paddle attached and a jacket stowed onboard. There were no details of the owner and no indication of where it had come from.

 The capsized kayak has since been recovered. If you have any information at all related to the incident/found kayak please contact Falmouth Coastguard on telephone number 01326 317575 quoting reference number 7190


Canoeists and kayakers are also reminded to read the following safety advice and to label their craft with contact details in case of loss.

 Safety advice on sea canoeing / kayaking 

 Ensure that someone at home knows your passage plan including points of arrival and departure, timescale, number in group and other relevant information. Check weather forecasts and tidal conditions and ensure that your skill levels are appropriate for where you are kayaking. Wear a buoyancy aid and check that equipment is functioning properly, that your distress flares are in date and are stowed where you can reach them. Carriage of a 406 Personal Locator Beacon is highly recommended for more remote locations.
Carry a VHF marine band radio (fitted with DSC if possible) and learn how to use it. Where there is good network coverage then it is worth carrying a mobile phone in a waterproof bag. Call the Coastguard if you get into difficulty, preferably via channel 16 on your radio or if not by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard. Join the voluntary CG66 safety identification scheme – it’s free and records details of your kayak and shore contacts for use in an emergency.
Ensure you label your kayak with contact details in case it becomes lost.  An abandoned kayak at sea is likely to trigger a search and rescue operation so please let the Coastguard know, even if everyone is safely ashore

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