A kayaker has been rescued by a passing fishing boat after getting swept out to sea off the Isle of Barra. The woman had been kayaking off Traigh a Bhaigh beach on the Hebridean island and fell out of her boat, finding herself getting swept out to sea by the tide. Her husband tried to rescue her but was also swept out to sea. He made it back to shore but the woman continued to drift until she was spotted by a passing fishing boat who recovered her from the water and brought her back to land.
The coastguard was alerted to the incident at 11:26 on Friday, and the Barra lifeboat, coastal rescue team, and a rescue helicopter were dispatched to the scene. A coastguard spokesperson said two people had been given assistance. “Someone had come off their kayak and the husband had gone in to rescue her, and the two of them were getting swept away. The husband managed to get his own way back to shore and the lady was rescued by a passing small fishing boat. She was taken ashore and taken to hospital for checks.”
The kayaker had been wearing a lifejacket when she entered the water and that she was “alive and breathing” when she was brought ashore. The Coastguard added that “they were extremely lucky that there was a passing boat that saw the lady and brought her ashore.” The incident highlights the importance of wearing appropriate safety equipment while participating in water activities and being aware of changing tidal conditions.
Today, the kayaker’s story serves as a reminder of the potential dangers to people who venture out onto the waters with little protection. The combination of powerful currents and a lack of knowledge can potentially turn any boating event into a life-threatening situation. This rescue was quick and successful because the victim was wearing a lifejacket and a fishing boat was nearby to provide assistance. The coast guard’s quick reaction exemplified how vital preparedness measures are in potentially dangerous circumstances
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