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\n The pair got into difficulty near Aberthaw on the Vale of Glamorgan coastline on Wednesday, May 27, and were unable to get back onboard their craft after it repeatedly capsized.\n<\/p>\n
\n Barry Dock RNLI volunteers launched a D-class inshore lifeboat after being tasked by HM Coastguard.\n<\/p>\n
\n Andy, helm of the D-class lifeboat, said: “Even when people are experienced and prepared, things can go wrong very quickly at sea, particularly in the Bristol Channel where the tides and currents are extremely powerful.\n<\/p>\n
\n “This incident highlights the importance of wearing the correct safety equipment and carrying a means of calling for help, but it also shows the value of making good decisions when things don’t go to plan.\n<\/p>\n
\n “The casualties did exactly the right things. They were both wearing lifejackets, they had a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, they called for help when they realised they were unable to get back onboard and return safely to shore, and they stayed with their kayak.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Staying with the kayak made them much easier for the lifeboat crew to spot, while calling for help early meant assistance could be launched before the situation became more serious.\n<\/p>\n
\n “All of those actions played an important part in bringing this incident to a safe outcome.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The crew – Andy, Ben, Gerwyn, and Kris – made their way to Limpet Bay, where they found that one casualty was sitting on top of the kayak while the other remained in the water, unable to re-board.\n<\/p>\n
\n Despite warm weather, sea temperatures remain around 11\u201312\u00b0C, and the casualty in the water was described as tired and cold after spending a prolonged period in the sea.\n<\/p>\n
\n The pair had drifted roughly two and a half miles from Ffontygary steps to just off the Cason in that time.\n<\/p>\n
\n Both casualties were wearing lifejackets and one had a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, which they used to contact someone ashore who then called 999 for help.\n<\/p>\n
\n They were safely recovered onto the lifeboat with their kayak and returned to shore, where they were handed over to HM Coastguard.\n<\/p>\n
\n Andy said: “We\u2019re really pleased this incident ended safely and would like to thank all of our volunteer crew who responded.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Barry Dock RNLI is reminding anyone heading out on the water to wear suitable safety equipment, carry a means of communication, and check weather and tide conditions before setting off.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n