VIDEO: Canoeist rescue in 'violent storm' winds off South Devon
A CANOEIST was the subject of a rescue operation off the South Devon coast after he was spotted being dragged out to sea in near storm force winds.
Brixham Coastguard coordinated the rescue after receiving a 999 call at 1.45pm on Thursday.
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An image from the RNLI's rescue video
The caller said it looked as if the canoe had capsized and was in difficulty just off the west coast of Burgh Island.
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The wind at the time was Strong Gale Force 9, gusting to Violent Storm Force 11 (64–73 mph).
The Bigbury Coastguard Rescue Team, Plymouth and Salcombe RNLI lifeboats and the coastguard rescue helicopter based at Portland were all sent to the scene, but the canoeist managed to get himself to shore.
Dave Scullion, Watch Manager at Brixham Coastguard, says: “We strongly advise not to go out in these stormy conditions, particularly in small craft such as canoes or kayaks. Sending units to rescue people in these types of avoidable incidents will put the rescue teams at risk.
“Even though he managed to self recover, we were concerned about the possibility of secondary drowning which can occur with as little as a tablespoon of fluid in the lungs."
Comments
by reiwruwiou
Monday, November 26 2012, 10:57AM
“What about the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter? I was under the impression that the RNLI and the Coastguard aren't the same thing. I suspect that no charge is levied by either organisation regardless of victim stupidity, but there is a difference between a ship breaking down at sea or a few dopey grockles getting cut off by the incoming tide, and some loon paddling out into stormy seas in a canoe. I recall hearing that charges can be levied for calling out an ambulance in the UK - perhaps some of the more ludicrous capers should carry an "Idiocy Surcharge"?”
by Appyjack
Saturday, November 24 2012, 1:42PM
“One would trust this idiot made a token of his appreciation to the RNLI in the form of a large cheque.
The RNLI is funded purely by public donations, why should this money & their lives be risked or wasted on a mindless idiot.
That person should have his kayak confiscated .. a shame the sea did not break it up for him.”
by Edwin_Starr
Saturday, November 24 2012, 10:08AM
“@reiwruwiou The RNLI never charges for rescues. They, quite reasonably, feel it would discourage people from calling for help.”
by willfy1234
Friday, November 23 2012, 7:17PM
“What a ***********!”
by howardd1
Friday, November 23 2012, 7:09PM
“must be brain dead , should have been left him to get on with it ,complete idiot”
by DevonJanner
Friday, November 23 2012, 6:31PM
“Ride that wave momma!!!”
by Corsham999
Friday, November 23 2012, 1:36PM
“What was that person doing out on the High Seas in that weather? mad.com.”
by Mooresy84
Friday, November 23 2012, 1:20PM
“why? just why?!”
by reiwruwiou
Friday, November 23 2012, 10:40AM
“I hope that the canoeist will be getting billed for this. It isn't like we weren't expecting a storm or anything...”
by sparro
Friday, November 23 2012, 10:39AM
“What a total idiot.”