Hypothermic kayaker taken to hospital after being rescued by RNLI

The kayaker was left stranded after experiencing chest pains while on the water.

Hypothermic Moray kayaker taken to hospital after being rescued from Craigenroan by RNLI Buckie — Kayaker: RNLI rushed to the scene 10 minutes after the alarm was raised. RNlI

17th Jun 2023

Posted in

The Highlands

A kayaker who was found hypothermic on Craigenroan rocks has been rescued and taken to hospital.

RNLI Buckie Lifeboat rushed to the area just ten minutes after the alarm was raised at 3.50pm on Friday.

The charity said the man, who was with other kayakers, had experienced chest pain while in the water and made his way to rocks where he was stranded.

Two casualty-care specialists from the lifeboat crew treated the man while the lifeboat radioed for an ambulance before being taken back to land.

Scottish Ambulance paramedics arrived and transferred him to hospital for further treatment.

Coxswain Davie Grant, who led the rescue efforts with a seven-strong crew, said: “The entire crew performed superbly, assembling, launching, and bringing the casualty aboard in the fastest possible time.

“Two of our casualty carers, Louise and Carl, gave outstanding service, treating and supporting the gentleman for over an hour to stabilise him for transfer to the ambulance.”

RNLI Buckie’s operations manager, Anne Scott, said: “As temperatures rise and holidaymakers arrive to enjoy our beautiful coastal waters, we hope everyone can do so in safety.

“If going afloat, do what these two gentlemen did – in case unexpected problems arise.

“Check the weather and tides, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return, wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for assistance if you need it – a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, for example.”