Great Yarmouth Tradegy

[SpeciMan]

Should or should we not post news of tradegy here? I for one think we should. They remind me not to become complacent about the safety sides of things. No details as yet but I would be interested to hear what exactly went wrong. Posted on another forum .

 

Sunday, May 15, 2005

Posted 16:52 GMT

SOLO CANOEIST DROWNED AT WINTERTON

 

At 3pm Yarmouth Coastguard were called by a member of the public who reported seeing a lone, male canoeist floating face down in the water, off the beach at Winterton in Norfolk.

 

Two kite surfers recovered the man to shore and began cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Within 5 minutes the Coastguard Rescue Team from Winterton and the Yarmouth Coastguard Sector Manager were on scene with oxygen and continued CPR on the casualty. Unfortunately, the man was later declared deceased by East Anglian paramedics.

 

The canoeist, reported had been out in his canoe on the water alone while an elderly relative watched from a vehicle on shore. Conditions at the scene were North Easterly winds force 3-4 with a moderately choppy sea.

 

Yarmouth Coastguard Watch Manager Peter Wheeler says,

 

“We are saddened that even with the fast response by all the rescuers this afternoon who made every effort possible to revive the man, we have had a fatality today. For any canoeists we emphasise that canoe clubs and associations always stress the risks of single handed canoeing at sea and advise that you always make sure that you have the right safety equipment and that you use it.”

[Yakity - Yak - u.k.]

Hi Speciman.

 

A very sad piece of news, thoughts are with his family and friends.

 

As you say, it will be interesting to find out what went wrong.

 

This brings home to all of us the IMPORTANCE of safety, and taking time to practice re-entry drills,wear the correct gear etc.

 

I still cringe when I read here that guys are getting thier Yaks, and going straight out to sea on them,or onto open water without any preperation.

 

I know Im the old lady of the group, and keep going on about safety, and Im blowed if Im going to stop.

If I bore any of you, then good, it means its getting to you.

Lets keep our group safe and very aware.

 

yy

[spanner]

Very sad news.

 

Quite agree Yakity, safety is the most important thing to consider, fun and fish come a distant second.

[Jaffa]

Thanks for highlighting that Speciman.

[SpeciMan]

I should also mention that when I was in the Solent yesterday I heard a Mayday go out on the VHF. A families yacht scraped onto a wreck just off the Needles near the Shingles.

 

I was impressed with the speedy response by the coastguard and also with the number of nearby boats who offered to help and wait with the yacht whilst the lifeboat made its way out. They got off the wreck after a few minutes before the lifeboat turned up, no water was taken on board. They were escorted back by the lifeboat to Lymington just in case.

[Simon Everett]

It's an old addage - Safety First. That was translated by seamen into - one hand for yoursef, one hand for the ship. Granted that was in the days of sail, but it still holds true today.

Having been at sea as a career safety was drilled into me from the outset - by my old man from the time I got my first boat at 6. It amazes me that we are still the only country in Europe with no certificate of competency to go to sea. They call it freedom - but sometimes people take freedom too far and the result is a casualty.

Any fatality is just as decimating for the family. Hopefully people can learn from the incidient and then with more hope it won't be repeated. Certainly with proper preparation the likelihood of it being repeated is lessened - but not everyone does prepare, and that is when trouble starts.

Take time my fellowsto learn some meteorology, recognise when a squall is approaching by the darkening sky and increase in wind. Note when the wind backs or veers and take the hint. Watch the sea state and observe that the white tops are becoming more frequent and the sea shorter - a blow is approaching and get out of there FAST.

Do know the tidal streams and tide times - not to the last minute. On thwe south coast a full mon means low water arond lunchtime - close enough. You can work out tommorrows tide times from todays - add about 40 minutes per tide and you'll not be far out.

BuT, most of all go out properly equipped, both physically and mentally. Time spent in preparation is seldom wasted (OK I know it was reconnaisance - but it works!)

It is reports like this that bring home to us just how vulerable we all are.

Be lucky.

Simon.

[Yakity - Yak - u.k.]

Nice post Simon

[Jaffa]

Agreed. Really well put Simon.

[Newt]

What happened?

 

Well, based on, ".... who reported seeing a lone, male canoeist floating face down in the water, off the beach at Winterton in Norfolk." I'd hazard a guess that he was wearing either no floatation device or a poorly designed one else he'd have been face up.

 

 

"winds force 3-4 with a moderately choppy sea" and inadequate life vest makes it sound like the man was an accident waiting for a place & time to happen.

[Simon Everett]

We could be misjudging the man - maybe he had a heart attack while at sea, or was he diabetic and had a hypo? Until we know a bit more it is difficult to make assessments. There are several possible causes other than incompetance or foolhardiness. Let's wait and see what the marine accident investigators come up with.

Simon