Kayakers rescued from sinking vessel off East Lothian coast

Two kayakers were dramatically rescued after their vessel began sinking near Bass Rock, highlighting the importance of water safety equipment.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued a timely safety warning following the dramatic rescue of two kayakers near Bass Rock in East Lothian. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 18underscores the critical importance of carrying proper safety equipment when venturing out on the water.

The kayakers found themselves in distress approximately two miles offshore when their two-seater sit-on kayak started to take on water. As the vessel began to sink, they were forced into the water, where they managed to swim about 200 meters to the relative safety of Bass Rock.

From there, they were able to raise the alarm using a mobile phone they had carried in a waterproof pouch.

The swift response of the North Berwick RNLI

At approximately 11:40 amthe North Berwick RNLI was alerted to the situation by the Aberdeen Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

The lifeboat crew launched immediately and arrived at Bass Rock within an impressive eight minutes of setting out. The crew began a thorough search of the island’s water’s edge, eventually locating the kayakers on the east side of the rock, below the tide line on a rocky outcrop near a cave complex.

The kayakers, who were unharmed and equipped with wetsuits and buoyancy aidswere safely brought aboard the lifeboat along with their kayak. They were then transferred into the care of the North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team.

The lifesaving importance of waterproof communication

Callum MacLeodthe helm of the RNLI North Berwick, emphasized the crucial role that the waterproof phone pouch played in this rescue. ‘The casualties were lucky that their phone survived the seawater and they were able to call for help,’ he stated. MacLeod went on to advise that anyone heading out on the water should carry a waterproofed means of calling for help. ‘A £20 waterproof phone pouch could be what saves your life,’ he warned.

Despite the warm weather forecast for the weekend, MacLeod reminded the public that water safety remains paramount. ‘Remember it’s hot out there, but it’s cold in here,’ he said, referring to the sea temperature of approximately 12°C. This cold water temperature can pose serious risks, even for experienced water enthusiasts.

Essential water safety advice from the RNLI

The RNLI has reiterated its key safety advice for those venturing out on the water this summer. First and foremost, they recommend always wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Additionally, carrying a waterproofed means of calling for help can make a significant difference in emergency situations. The RNLI also advises checking weather and tide conditions before heading out and avoiding offshore winds, particularly for those using small unpowered inflatable craft or stand-up paddleboards.

In the event of a coastal emergency, the RNLI urges individuals to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard immediately. For those who find themselves in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s ‘float to live’ technique is recommended. This involves relaxing, tilting your head back to submerge your ears, spreading your arms and legs, and making slow movements to conserve energy and stay afloat.

This dramatic rescue serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of water activities and the importance of being prepared. As the summer season approaches, the RNLI’s timely warning highlights the need for vigilance and proper safety precautions to ensure enjoyable and safe experiences on the water.