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An eight-year-old boy played a crucial role in helping to save his grandfather after their kayak capsized and drifted more than two miles off the coast. Marley and his granscha, David “Dai” Jones, were kayaking near Fontygary in the Vale of Glamorgan on 27 May when their kayak overturned, leaving them struggling in the water.
Although Dai managed to help Marley back onto the kayak, he could not get back on himself and had to cling to the side as strong currents from the Bristol Channel carried them away from shore. In a tense but composed response to the situation, Marley used a waterproof pouch to call his nan on his mobile phone. His nan then called emergency services.
Once the alert was raised, the inshore lifeboat from Barry Dock RNLI was dispatched towards their location near Limpet Bay. Dai described the ordeal, saying, “I was getting tired and cold and there was a point where I wasn’t sure I’d make it. But I was trying to stay positive and keep calm for Marley because I didn’t want him to be frightened. Seeing the lifeboat arrive was a huge relief.” By the time the lifeboat crew reached them, the pair had drifted roughly two-and-a-half miles, from Fontygary Steps to near the Cason by Aberthaw.
Both Marley and Dai were wearing life jackets and were safely rescued along with their kayak. They were brought back to shore and handed over to Coastguard volunteers. While the day’s weather was warm and sunny, the RNLI noted that sea temperatures along the Vale coastline were around 11 to 12 degrees Celsius. A few days later, Dai, Marley, and Marley’s dad visited the Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station, where Marley received a special medal recognizing his “calmness, courage and maturity” during the emergency. Marley recalled telling his nan, “When I called my nan, I told her I was okay, but granscha looked like he was drowning and we needed help.” He also expressed relief upon the lifeboat’s arrival: “I was really happy when the lifeboat arrived – I thought PHEW!”
Andy, the helm of the inshore lifeboat, praised both Marley and Dai for their wise actions during the incident. He said, “Marley and Dai had done ‘exactly the right things’ by wearing life jackets, staying with the kayak and calling for help.” He added special commendation for Marley: “He remained incredibly calm throughout the incident… he showed real maturity and stayed level-headed throughout.” Dai expressed heartfelt gratitude to the RNLI volunteers, stating, “The crew were absolutely brilliant and looked after both of us from start to finish… To be honest, I genuinely don’t think I’d be here today without them.” Meeting the crew in person afterward was a meaningful moment for the family, with Marley feeling proud to receive his medal
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