Ramsey’s Mersey class RNLI lifeboat, the RNLB Ann and James Ritchie, was launched this afternoon (Sunday 1st June) to go to the assistance of a kayaker in difficulty off Port Lewaigue.

Two kayakers had set off from Port Lewaigue. After a little time into their journey they began to find wind and tidal conditions difficult and were unable to make headway. Both kayakers were appropriately equipped and wearing life-jackets. One of the kayakers managed to make it safely back to shore and alerted the emergency services to the plight of his “buddy” who was still struggling someway offshore. At the request of Liverpool Coastguard, Ramsey lifeboat, with coxswain Mark Kenyon at the helm, launched at 14:20 to go to the kayaker’s assistance.

A Ramsey registered fishing vessel was in the vicinity at the time and took the drifting kayaker and kayak on board. Ramsey lifeboat intercepted the fishing vessel and trained volunteer lifeboat crew checked out the kayaker to make sure that he was safe and well, and none the worse for his ordeal. The kayaker, together with his kayak, were transferred to the lifeboat and delivered safely back to Port Lewaigue, where he was re-united his waiting colleague.

Ramsey lifeboat with her volunteer crew then returned to station where the lifeboat was re-carriaged and made ready for service again by 15:15.