Red Bay RNLI volunteers launched both lifeboats late on Sunday night after a lone kayaker got into difficulty off the County Antrim coast.
The kayaker had set out at about 6.30 pm but ran into trouble around one and a half miles north of Cushendun when heavy sea swells swamped the kayak, leaving him unable to return safely to shore. Cold and exhausted, he raised the alarm with Belfast Coastguard at approximately 11.30 pm. The Coastguard requested both Red Bay RNLI lifeboats to launch.
The volunteer crews encountered easterly winds and a heavy sea swell on arrival. They transferred the casualty from the swamped kayak onto one of the lifeboats before returning safely to Cushendall.
Ballycastle Coastguard met the lifeboats ashore, where the kayaker received casualty care. After recovering sufficiently, he was able to leave the scene.
Red Bay RNLI Coxswain Liam O'Brien praised the successful outcome.
"This was a great outcome as the kayaker was in serious trouble after becoming overwhelmed by the sea state and pure exhaustion," he said. He added, "Even during the warmest weather, conditions offshore can take a bad turn very quickly, and the water is extremely cold. Thankfully, the kayaker managed to raise the alarm, and we were able to reach him in time."
Mr O'Brien reminded anyone heading afloat to carry a reliable means of calling for help.
"If you end up in the water unexpectedly, float with your head tilted back and your ears submerged with your arms and legs extended. This will calm your breathing and give you time to raise the alarm. To raise the alarm, dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
