The Tenby RNLI all-weather lifeboat was launched on Thursday 27 August to search for three kayakers near Lydstep beach, after they did not return when expected.
The charity’s lifeboat launched at 8pm and begun searching near Giltar point towards Lydstep. A jet skier helped the crew identify the exact cliff face where there were upturned kayakers in a small cave. The voluntary crew decided to launch its daughter boat (‘Y’ boat) to approach the cliff, where they found three casualties clinging to a shear cliff face 30 feet above sea level.
Steve Lowe, Tenby RNLI lifeboat crew member comments:
‘After assessing the situation, it was clear that not all of the party were confident enough to descend the cliff to reach the lifeboat. The cliff rescue team and helicopter were called to assist.
‘All three of the casualties were cold and needed some medical attention. They had been very sensible and were wearing both wetsuits and lifejackets. If they had not told someone they expected to return at 6.30pm, things could have become a great deal worse. We recommend anyone heading on to sea to tell someone where they plan to go and their expected time of return. However, we would also advise people to check the sea conditions before going ahead with their planned activity.’
RAF Sea King 169 from Chivenor recovered the casualties and lowered them to the Coastguard’s cliff rescue team at the cliff top.
