UNPREPARED KAYAKERS RESCUED AFTER CAPSIZING OFF AMBLE HARBOUR
Two men have been pulled from the water and airlifted to hospital
after capsizing approximately a mile east of
Amble Harbour .
Humber Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public
just after 12.30pm this lunchtime who had spotted two kayakers in trouble.
The Amble Coastguard Rescue Team, the Amble RNLI inshore and
offshore lifeboats and the search and rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer were
sent to the scene. A fishing boat in the area at the time went to help the
kayakers until the lifeboats arrived. They were then pulled to safety on to the
lifeboat, and from there were winched on board the helicopter and taken to the
Ashington and Wansbeck Hospital.
Graham Dawson, Watch Manager at Humber Coastguard, said:
"It’s believed these two men were in the water for at least 15
minutes. They were taken to hospital showing signs of hypothermia.
"One of them was wearing a track suit and t-shirt and the other had
an orange survival suit on but it was open to the waist. Neither were
wearing lifejackets.
"We always recommend that kayakers check weather and tidal conditions
before setting out, and make sure you can handle them. Wear a buoyancy aid and
appropriate clothing. It’s a good idea to carry with you a VHF marine band
radio, fitted with DSC if possible, so you can contact the Coastguard on channel
16 if you get into difficulty."