East Lothian kayakers rescued by RNLI after strong winds drift them 'out to open sea'
Two on-board an inflatable kayak had to be rescued by the RNLI after they were caught in strong offshore winds.
Volunteers from the North Berwick RNLI charity launched their lifeboat, SUNIJO, to rescue the pair who had fallen victim to fierce rear gale force winds.
The call for assistance was made on Tuesday June 24 at 3.50pm. The kayak duo were in danger of drifting out to open sea.
The Coastguard Rescue Team members estimated the rate of drift meant the casualties would not have been able to paddle back to land.
Guided by members of the North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team, and tour vessels from the Scottish Seabird Centre, the crew were able to quickly locate and assist the two casualties, bringing them safely ashore.
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Helm Fraser Fulton said: 'Offshore winds are seen as a 'hidden' danger at the coast. It may seem sheltered right inshore, but further out to sea the conditions are significantly different, with large waves and stronger winds that can be difficult to paddle against.
'We advise against using any inflatable, not powered by an engine, on the sea during offshore winds. Unfortunately in North Berwick, with the prevailing SW'ly winds, that is the majority of the time. Indeed a large proportion of callouts for ourselves here in North Berwick are due to offshore winds, including a very serious incident last year involving stand up paddleboards.'
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'Always check the forecast, if it is an offshore wind, don't go out. If you are heading onto the water, no matter the conditions, wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, or a handheld VHF radio. In any coastal emergency, dial 999 for the Coastguard.'
This was the second call out in two days as the RNLI crew responded to a vessel experiencing engine difficulties and drifting onto rocks on Monday June 23 at 7.46am, but were stood down prior to launch.
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