Underneath a report by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency who had been searching for 2 seakayakers. Everything turned out OK in the end. But had the kayakers communicated their plans of camping on the Isle of May (near Edinburgh in Scotland) before leaving, the whole search would not have been necessary.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Posted 20:54 GMT
SEARCH FOR KAYAKERS
A search involving five lifeboats and five Coastguard Rescue teams took place earlier today for two missing kayakers.
The two kayakers were seen by a member of the local public leaving their car in the morning at North Berwick. It was later on (17:00 hours approximately) that the same person noted the car was still there, with the same clothes easily visible inside. The weather had by this time seriously worsened and visibility was very poor, so the Coastguard was informed.
Simon Smart, Watch Manager at Forth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, says:
Due to the weather conditions we were very concerned for the safety of the two kayakers. We had requested the launch of five lifeboats and had sent five Coastguard Rescue teams to conduct a search of the area. A fishing vessel was able to confirm they had seen two kayakers near the Isle of May. This information then led to the successful conclusion where the two kayakers, one male and one female being found safe and well camping on the Isle of May.
We are very pleased that no harm has come to the kayakers, but, would like to stress to anyone who is out on the water that preparation of any passage or venture is essential and it is always wise to let the Coastguard know your intentions, so as in a case like this an unnecessary search does not take place and use up valuable resources that may be needed elsewhere.
Posted By: Fiona Warren
Posted 20:54 GMT
SEARCH FOR KAYAKERS
A search involving five lifeboats and five Coastguard Rescue teams took place earlier today for two missing kayakers.
The two kayakers were seen by a member of the local public leaving their car in the morning at North Berwick. It was later on (17:00 hours approximately) that the same person noted the car was still there, with the same clothes easily visible inside. The weather had by this time seriously worsened and visibility was very poor, so the Coastguard was informed.
Simon Smart, Watch Manager at Forth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, says:
We are very pleased that no harm has come to the kayakers, but, would like to stress to anyone who is out on the water that preparation of any passage or venture is essential and it is always wise to let the Coastguard know your intentions, so as in a case like this an unnecessary search does not take place and use up valuable resources that may be needed elsewhere.
Posted By: Fiona Warren