HM Coastguard rescues overdue father and son after kayak overturns



A large search and rescue operation ended with good news this afternoon when a missing father and son were safely rescued by Caernarfon Coastguard helicopter after being reported overdue from a kayaking trip in Anglesey.


Moelfre RNLI All Weather Lifeboat spotted the pair on a remote island off Lliwgy Beach at 2.04pm just over 20 minutes after the search operation was launched.


At 1.40pm today, HM Coastguard received a 999 call from a concerned family member reporting a man and his 13 year old son overdue after they set off kayaking earlier this morning from Lligwy Beach in Anglesey.


Moelfre, Cemaes Bay and Penmon Coastguard Rescue Teams, Moelfre Lifeboat and the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Caernarfon immediately joined the search.  They also issued a Mayday Relay broadcast to all vessels in the area, alerting them to join the search for the missing kayakers.


Within minutes of launching the operation, the Point Lynas National Coastwatch Institute spotted an overturned kayak, matching the description of the missing kayakers, floating offshore.


Thankfully, the missing pair were spotted on a nearby island and the Caernarfon Coastguard helicopter was sent to investigate further.


It appears the pair were immersed in water after their kayak overturned but managed to make their way to the nearby island.  After being rescued they were reported to be very cold and despite suffering minor injuries are otherwise safe and well.  They have been winched onboard the helicopter and will be transferred to Bangor Hospital for medical assessment.


HM Coastguard Duty Controller Mat McInally said:  “This incident could so easily have turned into a really tragic one and the first informant did absolutely the right thing to call the Coastguard when her husband and son did not get back on time. Her quick thinking action undoubtedly helped save two lives today and we wish the two casualties a speedy recovery.


“When taking to the sea we would always advise people to tell someone at home their passage plan including points of arrival and departure, timescale, the number in your group and other relevant information. Check the weather forecasts and tidal conditions and ensure that your skill levels are appropriate for where you are kayaking. Wear a buoyancy aid and check that equipment is functioning properly, that your distress flares are in date and are stowed where you can reach them. We also recommend carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) especially in the more remote locations.  Carry a VHF marine band radio (fitted with DSC if possible) and learn how to use it. Where there is good network coverage then it is worth carrying a mobile phone in a waterproof bag. Remember to call the Coastguard if you get into difficulty, preferably via channel 16 on your radio or if not by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.


“There are also many apps available now that help track your journey and stay safe whilst sea kayaking, one of which is the RYA or ISA SafeTrx, which can be used to log, track and send alerts about your trip.  HM Coastguard would also strongly recommend using ID stickers on your equipment, which includes all your basic information and allows others to raise the alarm and find you if they find your boat or equipment unattended.  Likewise, if you lose your gear whilst you’re out paddling please inform the Coastguard.  That way we’ll know that you’re safe and we won’t launch a search operation for you.”

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