Rescuers at the site at Conwy Falls. Photo: Ogwen Valley MRO
Two kayakers were rescued after getting into difficulties on a Snowdonia river.
The pair, described as experienced paddlers, were on the River Conwy yesterday when they overshot a safe exit point and ended up in a steep gorge at the Conwy Falls.
The men, one in his late 20s the other in his early 30s and from mid- and south Wales, managed to reach the shore at the site south of Betws-y-Coed but were then trapped in the ravine.
Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation was called out at 2.45pm and joined other emergency services at the site.
Chris Lloyd of the rescue team said: “They had enjoyed the paddle down the river Conwy as the water conditions were good.
“The intention was to escape the river at a pool about 150m upstream of the bridge on the Penmachno Road.
“Unfortunately, they missed the pool and were flushed under the bridge and into the turbulent waters heading for the Conwy Falls.
“With some skilled boatwork they managed to make the shore just about 15m downstream of the bridge but now in a steep-sided gorge. With no means of escape they shouted for help.
“Fortunately, other paddlers in the area were able to answer their shouts. The 999 call was made.
“The local fire and rescue service arrived along with two ambulances. Ogwen Valley team was alerted by a team member who was at the scene.
“Meanwhile, the first paddler was raised with a rope, hauled by the first people on site.
“When the Ogwen team arrived, they were able to set up a rope system to lift the second man and then later to retrieve one of the boats.”
Mr Lloyd said the other kayak disappeared downstream.
He said: “The local fire service was happy to let OVMRO carry on with the rescue, but were there to offer additional manpower should there have been a need.
“The two men soon recovered from their ordeal.
“This type of incident regularly occurs here as it is easy to miss the exit pool before the bridge.”
Durk Tickler
21 October 2013Signage should have been put there a long time ago to warn paddlers.
This highlights another issue that should have been addressed and solved by Welsh Canoe Association.
Paul
21 October 2013Im obviously glad eveyone got out ok but a few things do not add up in this report.
"The pair, described as experienced paddlers"
Well that doesnt explain a basic lack of planning from the pair as this section is well documented to having a must make take out.
“This type of incident regularly occurs here as it is easy to miss the exit pool before the bridge.”
The exit pool talked of has countdown markers leading up to it, is very big and significantly easier to make than the moves required further up the river.
Not a good situation at all and there is very little excuse for this to ever happen let alone on a regular basis.
JB
22 October 2013Mistakes happen, good paddlers make bad calls, and representation in the media aren't always accurate.
Good effort to all those on hand! And good to hear the fire rescue boys recognizing others skills.
Turton is my hero ;)
Phil
25 October 2013I was on the water on the day and got off an hour or two before these paddlers. One of our group stayed in the cafe afterwards and was witness to this.
Paul - there were no visible countdown markers when we ran the middle Conwy last weekend. The only marker left is a small yellow post river left which you could easily miss. The get off needs a sign, simple.
Margaret
29 October 2013I agree JB that it is good to see Fire and Rescue letting those who know what they are doing get on with it. I think there were issues re this on the Tay a few years ago.
It was probably Mountain Rescue and/or professional Paddlers that ran training courses for Fire and Rescue.