Emergency teams scrambled to Seahouses after kayaker issues Mayday distress call

'The Coastguard were also in receipt of multiple 999 calls from the public concerning the incident'

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 11th Dec 2023
Last updated 11th Dec 2023

Emergency teams scrambled to Seahouses after a kayaker issued a Mayday distress call.

Several members of the public also dialled 999 after spotting the man capsize in the bay, near the town's golf course.

The dramatic scenes unfolded at the Northumberland beauty spot shortly after 3pm this afternoon (Monday).

But, as the inshore lifeboat was in the process of launching, news came through that the kayaker in the water had made it back ashore safely.

The crew then travelled to the casualty’s location just south of Seahouses Harbour, to check if he needed any medical attention.

Apart from being wet and cold, he declined any medical assistance, and the crew were stood down.

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Ian Clayton, a volunteer at Seahouses Lifeboat Station, said: "The kayaker did exactly the right thing and by carrying a marine VHF radio; he was able to send a Mayday distress call, giving his exact location, when he realised he was in a potentially dangerous situation.

"The crew were relieved that he had managed to get ashore unaided, and that he was otherwise okay."

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