Stricken kayakers rescued from icy sea off Newcastle

Stricken kayakers rescued from icy sea off Newcastle

4 January 2017

A GROUP of kayakers who got into trouble off the Newcastle coast were rescued after a passing lorry driver raised the alarm.

Belfast Coastguard received the call shortly after 1.30pm on New Year’s Eve and alerted Newcastle RNLI to what was believed to be a dinghy in trouble half a mile south of Newcastle harbour.

However, when the inshore lifeboat arrived quickly on the scene the crew discovered that the call-out was to three kayakers in trouble. One man was found clinging to his kayak in the freezing water and was unable to get to safety.

He was recovered from the freezing water and taken ashore to await the arrival of the Ambulance Service.

The inshore lifeboat crew went back to the scene to recover a further kayaker, while Newcastle Coastguard recovered a third casualty from the shoreline. These casualties were also transferred into the care of the Ambulance Service.

Alan Jones, Newcastle RNLI helm, said the kayakers were lucky to be alive.

“Another five minutes and we could have been dealing with a completely different outcome,” he said. “The water is absolutely freezing at this time of year.”

Newcastle RNLI left a message of thanks to the passing lorry driver on its Facebook page. The lorry driver, Mr Colin Dee, also responded to say he was glad he made the call.

“We would just like to thank the lorry driver who made the right decision in calling the coastguard yesterday after thinking he seen someone in difficulty,” said the RNLI.

“The casualty was quickly recovered from the sea and checked over by paramedics and after a short period of being warmed up he was able to make his way home without going to hospital.

“Remember if in doubt call us out. Don’t hesitate as only seconds could mean the difference of life and death. Dial 999 and ask for Coastguard.”

In his message on the Facebook page, Mr Dee said: “I was the lorry driver who spotted these boys in the water and phoned RNLI. I got a phone call this morning of RNLI thanking me. Feels good to make a difference to a family especially on New Year’s Eve.

“I’m glad I did phone. I knew something wasn’t right with how far out they were and waving frantically when I blew my air horns at them.”