Bembridge RNLI’s All-Weather Lifeboat was launched this evening (Friday) to locate and assist a teenage boy who was in the water after his kayak had capsized.
RNLB Alfred Albert Williams (Tamar All-Weather Lifeboat 16-17) was launched at just before 18:00 this evening at the request of UK (Solent) Coastguard to locate and assist a teenage boy who was in the water after his kayak had capsized at the far end of Whitecliff Bay.
Conditions were very benign so it did not take long to reach the area and locate the boy who was ok, although very cold.
Having got him aboard, the Alfred Albert Williams returned to the Offshore Boathouse to await the arrival of an Ambulance to check him over. The Alfred Albert Williams was fully recovered by 18:30.
Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat was also tasked and recovered the kayak; Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 175 also deployed but returned to base once it was clear that the teenager was safely onboard the lifeboat.
Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team deployed to Lane End to provide land based assistance.
175 deployed for that, a bit over the top me thinks.
You might not say that if it was your son/ daughter that required help. With the light fading, all available assets will respond to a person in the water and would much rather be scrambled immediately.
Well then people should pay for the help they give or have insurance to cover the cost.
So, to be clear, that was the RNLI, the Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, the Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team plus an ambulance crew?
Obviously we don’t know the full facts but I wonder why the teenager couldn’t swim back to the shore from his kayak? I mean, presumably you don’t go further out in a kayak than you can safely swim and we have to assume he was wearing a life jacket…?
As you say, you don’t know the facts and never assume anything.
Unfortunately teenagers don’t think in a rational way, they think they’re invincible but they’re not hence all the people that came out to help. Hope all is well.
Well done to all those involved in the rescue it is very reassuring that such dedicated services are available to those in need.