PLBs bring help to kayakers ASAP

 

An easy-to-use piece of technology helped rescuers quickly reach kayakers who got into difficulty off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales.

Just over an hour after the group raised the alarm using their Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), they were safely boarding a lifeboat and heading back to shore. 

The seven people had been exploring waters west of Fishguard, near Strumble Head, on 30 November. But a shift in conditions forced them away from the open water to seek shelter by land. 

There they became trapped between cliffs on one side and the gathering waves and wind on the other. 

In such an isolated spot mobile reception was poor. But the group had a Plan B up their sleeves to summon help: three Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). 

The kit can be a lifesaver. Manually activated and worn on the body, it broadcasts the user’s location to HM Coastguard. For those who have registered their PLB with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the contact details and watercraft identity can also be checked. 

The first of the kayakers’ three PLB alerts was received at about 3.30pm by HM Coastguard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at Milford Haven, where Team Leader Max Hawkins oversaw the response. 

 

Max Hawkins stands by a bank of computer screens at Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
Max Hawkins

Max’s tips for watercraft safety  

  • Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch 
  • Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and suitable clothing 
  • Check the weather forecast and tide times  
  • Paddle in a group so you can look after each other 
  • Tell someone where you’re going and when you’re likely to be back. 
  • If you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

 

Fishguard and St Davids RNLI all-weather lifeboats were immediately sent to the area, and the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter took off from St Athan. 

On land, Coastguard Rescue Teams were on their way from Fishguard, St Davids and Dale. A Mayday broadcast was issued requesting nearby vessels to help.  

With rescue approaching, a 999 call from a kayaker finally made it through to Milford Haven MRCC giving more details and their precise location, near the bay of Pwll Deri.  

The group was spotted by the helicopter and soon an RNLI vessel was in view, heading their way. 

By about 4.30pm – just an hour after the first PLB was triggered – the group was recovered safe and well onto the lifeboat from Fishguard.  

They were brought back to the harbour and welcomed onto dry land by Coastguard Rescue Officers who checked their welfare. 

The group was praised for their preparation by Max Hawkins, Team Leader at Milford Haven MRCC. 

Max said: “The PLB activations were key in this incident. Not only was the mobile signal in the area very poor but the kayakers were still on the sea so their ability to use their phones was hampered. 

“Despite the challenges, however, within an hour they were safely on board a lifeboat, thanks in large part to their PLBs.  

“The kayakers did really well – they were prepared, had their safety kit, and called for help when they needed it. It goes to show how the right equipment can get you out of a tricky situation.” 

PLBs broadcast a location on the same 406MHz frequency as bigger EPIRBs but are designed to be worn on the body, rather than on a vessel or liferaft.  

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