Kayaker rescued

While NSRI Table Bay duty crew were conducting routine training on the rescue craft SPIRIT OF VODACOM in Table Bay today, Saturday, 31st January, at around 11h09, NSRI were alerted by the Kaskazi Kayak Shop in Mouille Point of a kayaker appearing to be in trouble off-shore of Clifton, between North Lion's Paw and Clifton.According to the eye-witness it appeared as though the kayak was completely swamped with water, the paddler was struggling to bail water out and appeared to be struggling to get back onboard his kayak.SPIRIT OF VODACOM diverted from training and responded. NSRI Bakoven were placed on alert and dispatched crew along the shoreline.On arrival we found the kayaker had been assisted by four kayakers, that were paddling in the area at the time, who had noticed him in trouble and had gone to his aid.To keep him out the water the 4 kayakers had managed to get him lying across all 4 of their kayaks.Two NSRI rescue swimmers were deployed into the water from SPIRIT OF VODACOM and they retrieved him onto the rescue boat where he was treated for mild hypothermia and rewarmed.His kayak was also recovered.It appears that the kayak may have been swamped by water causing him to get into difficulties.49 year old Brett Martin, from Newlands, was bought to the NSRI Table Bay rescue base and collected by his wife. He required no further assistance.These picture are available for media use on Sea Rescue’s Flickr page.TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONESMS 32287 with your name and a message of support for our Sea Rescue crew. SMS charged at R1Pics: Paula Leech (NSRI Station 3, Table Bay)