Littlehampton RNLI’s lifeboats Renee Sherman and Ray of Hope launched Friday 24th April to rescue a kayaker reported to be in difficulty.
HM Coastguard tasked the RNLI at 3.08pm to launch their B Class lifeboat Renee Sherman following reports of a capsized kayak in the sea off West Beach, Littlehampton, where a person in the water was having difficulty righting the boat.
Concerned for the welfare of the kayaker members of the public had dialled 999 and asked for the Coastguard. This enabled a prompt response and the volunteer crew of the lifeboat were able to locate the casualty quickly, about 170 metres west of the harbour entrance. Littlehampton’s D Class lifeboat Ray of Hope was launched as a precaution to assist with the recovery of the kayak whilst the casualty was brought back to the RNLI boathouse slipway at Fisherman’s Quay where an ambulance was waiting to receive the casualty and provide ongoing care.
Ivan Greer, helm of Renee Sherman, said
“Even with clear blue skies, calm water and a very light southerly wind it is easy to get caught out by the sea. When we arrived on the scene the casualty appeared to be getting cold, was unable to right the kayak and could easily have been carried out further offshore on the ebbing current of the River Arun. Fortunately, prompt actions by the public, HM Coastguard, the RNLI crew and South East Coast Ambulance Service prevented a more serious outcome.”
