The overturned kayak in the sea for an hour was hypothermic and very weak

A kayak has been rescued by lifeboat crews after it capsized off the coast of Cornwall. The Penlee Lifeboat was called by Falmouth Coastguard to a person in distress near Mullion Cove on the west coast of the Lizard Peninsula just before 5.30pm yesterday (Sunday 30 June).

The person was in a double kayak that had capsized. They tried to get back on board, but choppy conditions meant they couldn’t and they were left holding on to the kayak and waiting for help.

Their friend in another kayak was able to paddle to shore and alert the coast guard. The lifeboat was launched and reached the victim within 25 minutes.

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However, the overturned kayak had been in the sea for an hour and was hypothermic from the cold. They were taken aboard the lifeboat before receiving medical attention.

They were then winched out of the lifeboat by the Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter and taken to hospital. The other person in the double kayak was also feeling the effects of the cold and was handed over to paramedics for treatment.

Penlee Lifeboat said: “This was Penlee Crew Amy Smith’s first service as coxswain covering at the Lizard Lifeboat station. Well done to all involved and Falmouth Coastguard who co-ordinated this rescue, a life was certainly saved.”