Two kayakers rescued off Scarborough after mayday call

Scarborough RNLI launched both their inshore and all-weather lifeboats on Sunday 1 June following a mayday call from two kayakers in difficulty off the coast of Scarborough.

One of the kayaks had capsized, and the individuals were unsure of their exact location. Both were located and brought to safety after a coordinated search operation.

The Humber Coastguard received a distress call shortly after midday from a VHF radio, reporting two kayakers in difficulty.

Scarborough RNLI’s D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) and Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) were immediately paged and launched.

The ILB commenced a shoreline search northwards up to Cloughton Wyke alongside help from RNLI Lifeguards on a Water Rescue Craft, while the ALB carried out a parallel track search offshore, from Scarborough’s North East Corner to Cloughton Wyke.

After three systematic legs of the search pattern, the ALB located the kayakers approximately three miles east of Cloughton Wyke, using direction finding (DF) equipment – a system which detects radio signals to pinpoint the source of a VHF transmission.

The two individuals were sea angling from their kayaks when one capsized. One of the kayakers, who had previous experience and had taken the recommended safety precautions, was able to assist.

He was carrying a VHF radio, a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, and was wearing a buoyancy aid. The other kayaker was less experienced. Despite the difficult conditions, the pair managed to stay together and call for help.

Lee Marton, RNLI Coxswain for Scarborough RNLI Lifeboat, said:
‘It was thanks to the equipment they had with them – especially the VHF radio – that we were able to locate them so efficiently. Without that vital call for help and the signal we could track, this rescue could have had a very different outcome. Being prepared can make all the difference.’

A south-westerly wind was blowing the kayakers further offshore, and with their uncertain position, there was real concern for their safety.

Once located, the ALB crew brought both individuals onboard, returned them safely to the Golden Ball slipway in Scarborough Harbour and handed them over to HMCG Coastguard Rescue Teams, where they were checked over and warmed up.

This incident highlights the importance of planning and preparation when heading out on the water – especially for those new to sea-based activities. RNLI advice to all paddlers and kayakers includes:

• Always wear a suitable buoyancy aid or lifejacket
  
  

• Carry a means of calling for help on your person, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or a VHF radio
  
  

• Check the weather and tides before setting out – offshore winds can rapidly carry you away from land
  
  

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
  
  

• Consider taking a course to gain confidence and learn how to handle different sea conditions
  
  

Kayakers, especially those new to the activity, are encouraged to visit RNLI.org/Kayaking for advice and resources to help them stay safe.

Notes to editors

• Scarborough RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 1801. To learn more about the station visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/scarborough-lifeboat-station
  

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland’s coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units. Since 1824, RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

The RNLI is independent of government and relies on voluntary donations and legacies. Registered charity numbers: England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), Republic of Ireland (20003326)