A kayaker who capsized and was spotted floating in the Western Solent was rescued by Yarmouth Lifeboat earlier this afternoon (Saturday).
Solent Coastguard received reports from 2 local kite surfers of a kayaker in difficulty near Colwell Bay at just before 15:10.
Volunteers from Yarmouth RNLI launched the All Weather Lifeboat and made best speed towards Colwell.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crew were quickly able to locate a man in the water, who was being supported and observed by 1 of the kite surfers until help arrived. Volunteers at Needles NCI also kept eyes on the casualty from their lookout tower.
The male casualty was secured into a sling and lifted safely onboard the lifeboat using an A frame.
Having assessed the kayaker for injuries, the crew then recovered the kayak and secured it to the starboard deck of the lifeboat.
The casualty and his kayak were taken back to Yarmouth Harbour and checked over.
Crew member Alex Pimm has said:
‘The Kayaker had all of the necessary safety equipment onboard, he had also made sure that contacts on land knew where he was but the conditions were lively: 20 knots of south westerly winds and a swell of half a metre would have made it extremely difficult for the lone Kayaker to right his boat”.
Graham Benton, Deputy Coxswain, adds:
“The quick thinking support of the two local kitesurfers turned what could have been a tragic accident into a resuce with a positive outcome”.
The incident was over within just 45 minutes.
Well spotted scary time to be in cold water.
The idiot’s are out early, what with high winds and we are still experiencing wintery weather…
the plural of idiot is “idiots” not “idiot’s”
My poker has finally worn down. It was a hundred years old. Can you fashion me another one?
The tide and wind was strong there this morning with a good chill in the air.
Just so long as there is someone there to pick up the pieces, let’s not worry too much and enjoy ourselves.
Sounds all too familiar.
Well done the lifeboat crew
I watched this all unfold from my window. The lifeboat found them very quickly. The kite surfer who was with him made his own way back to shore but it took him a long time. I could see at least 8 kite surfers out along by Brambles chine.
Good work by the lifeboat crew !