Canoeists get into difficulty in severe weather

Canoeists get into difficulty in severe weather

LONDON. April 5, 2008/3mnewswire.org/ -- At 12.46 Humber Maritime Coastguard received a 999 call reporting five canoeists in difficulties, offshore at Craster in severe weather conditions. Craster RNLI Inshore Lifeboat, Rescue Helicopter 131 from RAF Boulmer and Craster Coastguard Rescue Team were sent to the scene.

Craster Lifeboat took two casualties aboard, two made shore themselves and the remaining canoeist was escorted ashore where he was assisted by the Coastguard Team to get his canoe ashore. One of the casualties has been checked by ambulance personnel and is suffering from hypothermia.

The forecast for the area is North or Northwest 5 to 7, occasionally gale 8, perhaps severe gale 9 later, with sea state moderate increasing rough or very rough.

Alex Harrison of Humber Coastguard said:

"The canoeists were lucky that a member of the public had the presence of mind to contact the Coastguard by calling 999. We remind people to carry the correct safety equipment and also to let the Coastguard know your intentions, and check the forecast for the area. Weather available from the Met Office website on http://www.metoffice.gov.uk or from the Coastguard."

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