Rescue drama as kayaker spotted 'clinging to a buoy'
RNLI Wells has issued the safety warning after they received reports of a person shouting for help and clinging to a buoy in Blakeney Harbour on April 14. - Credit: RNLI Wells
Reports of a kayaker shouting and clinging to a buoy triggered a lifeboat rescue drama off Wells.
The search intensified when an abandoned kayak was found in the creeks, sparking fears for the missing kayaker.
As the search widened along the coast, the coastguard discovered the person had got to shore and safety.
The drama began when RNLI Wells received reports of the person shouting for help and clinging to a buoy in Blakeney Harbour on April 14.
The lifeboat left the boathouse just before 1:20pm, travelling by road to Holkham beach to launch as there was insufficient water in the main harbour.
Blakeney Harbour (photo: Brian Shreeve) - Credit: BRIAN SHREEVE
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The volunteer crew of three went to the harbour, where the last known position of the kayaker had been identified to the coastguard using the What3Words app.
After the kayak was found and the search widened to Morston Hard and Blakeney Quay, at 2.15pm the emergency ended.
Blakeney Harbour. Picture: Chris Bishop - Credit: Archant
Members of Wells Lifeboat crew and guests standing in front of the station. - Credit: Archant
Wells lifeboat operations manager Chris Hardy. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Archant
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RNLI key tips for kayakers and canoeists are:
- Always carry a means of calling for help and keep it within reach.
- Wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket.
- Check the weather and tides.
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you'll be back.
