At just before 1.00 this afternoon (13th September, 2008) Aberdeen Coastguard received numerous 999 calls reporting five kayakers in trouble off Portknockie on the Moray coast. Members of the public had sighted the kayakers setting off a distress smoke flare.
The weather on scene today is easterly winds force 2-3 with choppy seas.
Aberdeen Coastguard sent the Portsoy Coastguard Rescue Team. To the area nd requested the launch of the Buckie all weather lifeboat and Rescue Helicopter 137 from RAF Lossiemouth
Shortly after the initial calls, Falmouth Coastguard also reported they had received a satellite distress beacon alert from the kayakers which included a teenager.
The yacht `Loleta was first to arrive on scene and recovered 4 of the casualties onboard. The 5th kayaker was unaccounted for.
After a search of the area by rescue units the 5th kayaker was found to have made his way to the harbour to raise the alarm.
All casualties have now been reunited ashore and require no medical assistance.
Aberdeen Coastguard Watch Manager Fiona Hastie said
We would like to specifically praise the kayakers for their actions today.. When they found themselves in trouble they reacted in exactly the right manner. They were all very well equipped and this undoubtedly assisted in their rescue
By setting off the smoke flare they alerted people ashore to their distress, and the distress beacon allowed us to pin point their position accurately. We hope others will note their fine example in being properly prepared before setting out on the water.
