KITESURFER RESCUED AT BIGBURY ON SEA
At just before 8.30pm Hope Cove Lifeboat and Bigbury Coastguard were tasked to a kitesurfer who had been forced onto rocks at Challaborough, near Bigbury. The kitesurfer was rescued by the lifeboat and taken to safety where he was met by coastguards. In worsening weather conditions with fading daylight and despite advice from the lifeboat crew and coastguards, the rescued man insisted on re-entering the water to retrieve his equipment. Hope Cove Lifeboat launched for a second time when the man appeared to be in difficulty again. Luckily the man was able to get ashore before the lifeboat arrived on scene. Brixham Coastguard Watch Manager, Dave Scullion said; "Kitesurfing is an extreme sport, nevertheless we recommend that you should always check the weather conditions before you go out. We also strongly reccommend that you put your name and contact details on all of your gear. Tonight this man was very fortunate that his desire to retrive his equipment did not end in disaster.