KAYAKER RESCUED FROM THE SEA OFF SHOEBURYNESS

Coastguards are reminding canoeists and kayakers to take a method of communication with them after a kayaker was rescued from the sea off Shoeburyness this evening.

A member of the public made a 999 call to Thames Coastguard at 5.00 pm this evening, reporting their concern for a pair of kayakers who appeared to be in difficulty. A member of the Southend Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to investigate and found that one of the kayakers was now in the water and unable to get back into his vessel.  Thames Coastguard requested the Southend RNLI Lifeboat to launch and the kayaker who was in the water was quickly recovered and brought to shore. By this time he had been in the water for an hour. The second kayaker was then able to paddle to shore.

Phil Wilson Watch Officer at Thames Coastguard says:

“These two kayakers were well kitted out for their trip with buoyancy aids, etc. However they had not brought some vital equipment with them: a method of communication for an emergency. For canoeists and kayakers HM Coastguard recommends the following:

  • Take distress flares with you that 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 boat and shore contacts for use in an emergency.

“Unfortunately, the lifeboat was not able to recover one of the kayaks as it had drifted away and could not be located. We recommend that you clearly mark your canoe or kayak with your name and contact details so that if it is lost, stolen or abandoned we can contact you to make sure that you are safe.”

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