A 63-year-old British man is safe after a dramatic rescue off Britannia Bay, a popular spot along the West Coast, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The incident unfolded around midday on Friday, 14 November, when eyewitnesses spotted the paddler struggling against strong winds and currents.
The St Helena Bay duty crew of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) was alerted at 12:02pm after nearby observers noticed the kayaker in distress.
Devon Wild, the NSRI St Helena Bay station commander, detailed the rapid response: ‘Our NSRI duty crew responded to our NSRI St Helena Bay station 44 rescue base, where we launched the NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Rotary in formidable conditions while our shore crew also made their way to the scene.’
Upon arrival, rescuers found the man clinging to his sea kayak, having made an effort to swim toward the shore. However, with the adverse weather conditions pushing him further out, the kayaker was unable to make significant progress.
‘On our rescue craft arriving on the scene, the man was rescued onto the rescue craft and his sea kayak was recovered,’ Wild stated.
Once onboard, he was transported back to St Helena Bay Harbour, where he was treated for hypothermia. Fortunately, after receiving the necessary medical attention and reuniting with his family, he did not require any further assistance.
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The British man was reported to have been kayaking regularly in the area during his holiday. While the sea may have lured him, it was the unexpected strength of the winds that ultimately posed a threat to his safety.
‘It appears that he had been caught by the strong winds while paddling, which swept him out to sea,’ Wild explained.
The efficiency and quick thinking of local eyewitnesses were lauded by the NSRI, with Wild encouraging others to remain vigilant when observing activities in coastal waters.
‘We commend the eyewitness for swiftly raising the alarm after noticing that the paddler was in distress,’ he said.
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Picture: NSRI
