Rhubodach. Photo: Donald Thomas CC-BY-SA-2.0
A kayaking guide had to be rescued after he capsized but the pair of paddlers he was instructing carried on unaware.
The three were paddling in the Kyles of Bute between the Isle of Bute and the Cowal peninsula when the party’s leader was spotted by a passing ferry falling into the water.
The incident was witnessed by the crew of the Caledonian MacBrayne vessel the MV Loch Aline, who raised the alarm.
The man and woman, a married couple, carried on paddling, oblivious to the difficulties their guide was in.
A rescue operation, co-ordinated by Clyde Coastguard, swung into operation, involving Tighnabruaich RNLI inshore lifeboat and a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannet that was in the area.
A Coastguard Rescue Team from Rothesay met the couple at Rhubodach on Bute, while the party leader was rescued from the sea by the lifeboat. The helicopter had located the pair of paddlers and shadowed them until the RNLI crew took them onboard. The kayaking guide received medical attention at Rhubodach.
Clyde Coastguard watch manager Daniel Sellers said: “These kayakers were lucky that the incident was seen by the ferry crew who quickly alerted us. Because the party didn’t stick together it could have been really difficult for us to find the lone, injured kayaker – particularly in poor weather conditions like we have today.
“If you go out in a group or with pals please stick together. That way if you get in to trouble they’ll be someone with you to raise the alarm and you’ll avoid a major search.”
Darrel
10 November 2010A "guide" who is "instructing" that cannot re-enter his kayak without assistance? Wow!
Louise
10 November 2010This article is troubling and raises many questions. If the guide/instructor had a whistle he should have used it immediately. But before that happened he should have instructed the couple to stay within shouting distance then spent his time corraling them to keep them that close. If conditions were that deplorable what were beginners doing out there in the first place? Shouldn't the guide have kept them safer than to get them into a situation that might turn ugly at a moments' notice? This was a completely preventable situation, based on the information provided.
R P
10 November 2010The guide did not capsize, he slipped whilst entering the boat and was knocked unconscious. He wasn't rescued from the sea, but from the shore. He has vast experience, is highly qualified and can certainly get back in to his boat should he capsize.
The safety of his clients is upper most in his guides mind at all times and he has ran very successful trips over many years. What happened was an unfortunate accident. The guide himself called the coast guard who responded, quickly and performed their role with professionalism.
I find the mis-information in this report both regrettable and hurtful to the guide concerned.
Bob
10 November 2010The information on which the story is based was supplied by HM Coastguard.
Bob Smith
Editor
James
10 November 2010Am I to understand this story is so far off that the reported ferry rescue was a total fabrication? If not, how was a land rescue effected from a "passing ferry?
Bob
10 November 2010The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's version of the incident can be viewed at http://hmcoastguard.blogspot.com/2010/11/kayaking-tour-ends-in-rescue-after.html?spref=tw
The MCA is the Government agency that deals with Coastguard rescues in the UK.
Bob Smith
Editor
Gary Ward
11 November 2010Which is the truth? The reported story or RP's version? I find it hard to believe a guide could not get back into his or her boat-this is an essential skill for a guide and you have to be able to do it several ways to be a certified guide.
The news report strikes me as bogus.
Van
11 November 2010I am a big fan of the coast guard and the RNLI however sadly media releases are not always accurate.
Bob Cianflone
11 November 2010The Coast Guard version of events supports the news article version of events. It seems that the kayaking company for which the hapless guide works is trying to do damage-limitation by saying that the entire event was fabricated as part of a vast government conspiracy that involves commercioal fishing companies, rescue officials, and maritime agencies. This happens all the time. Nonetheless, I am glad that the guide is now safe.
Bob Cianflone
Potomac River Paddlers
Stuart Clark
13 November 2010I'm not sure RP's account of what happened shows the guide in a better light. Slipping and knocking oneself unconscious whilst getting in a kayak is hardly better than successfully getting in then capsizing. Neither does that account explain why the group had not stayed together.
Richard Cree
25 November 2010This is what actually happened
http://www.rnli.org.uk/rnli_near_you/news/news_detail?articleid=629204