Arklow Lifeboat launched following a Pager Alert at 12.03 this afternoon (August 13)
The Coast Guard had been alerted by friends of 2 Kayaks, who it was reported were overdue back at Ennereilly Strand, North of Arklow.
In worsening slight seas, Arklow Lifeboat proceeded to the last reported position of the Kayaks in the vicinity of the Northernmost Wind Turbine on Arklow Bank approximately 8 miles from shore and established a search pattern.
Given the large search area it was decided to Launch both Wicklow Lifeboats and Irish Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 116 from Dublin to assist in the search.
On the Second Leg of the search approximately 1 mile east of Mizen Head, the kayaks were located by Arklow Lifeboat and Rescue 116, they were in good spirits and heading toward the shore and unaware the search was ongoing for them.
Given that conditions were expected to worsen it was decided to take them aboard Arklow Lifeboat, which then returned to Arklow, where the kayakers came ashore safely.
Once they had been located all Lifeboats and the helicopter were stood down and returned to station.
Following the incident, Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Community Safety/Press Officer said,
“Thankfully we were able to locate both these people today, if any members of the public ever see anyone in distress or know that someone is overdue back to shore, they need to contact 999 or 112 and alert the Coast Guard who will then task helicopters or lifeboats to the area, once again I can’t stress enough the need to Respect the Water and also to always carry a mean of calling for help and be contactable”.
(Source Arklow RNLI, Pictures Arklow RNLI and Wicklow Civil Defence)
For more info on Kayak and General water safety please go to www.respectthewater.com
