NSRI Port Edward Assists Two Sea-Kayakers Offshore of Wild Coast Sun

NSRI Port Edward assisted two sea-kayakers in distress offshore of the Wild Coast Sun on Sunday after they became caught in strong currents and were unable to return to shore.

At approximately 12h40 on Sunday, 26 April, NSRI Port Edward crews, while on alert for the Marlin Ski-Boat Club Couta/Game Fish Classic, were activated following reports of two men on sea-kayaks in distress offshore of the Wild Coast Sun Casino Beach.

The two kayakers were reportedly drifting south in strong sea currents and appeared unable to paddle back to shore.

The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 7 was launched while the NSRI rescue vehicle responded to Casino Beach. Upon arrival, visual contact was established with the kayakers approximately 1 nautical mile offshore and around 400 metres south of their last reported position.

NSRI crews located both men in good spirits but exhausted after battling the strong currents.

NSRI commended the skipper and crew of the private vessel Blue Ocean for their assistance during the operation.

Both men were taken onboard the rescue craft while towlines were attached to their sea kayaks. They were transported safely to Silver Beach, where NSRI rescue swimmers assisted in bringing them ashore through the surf zone.

No injuries were reported, and both men required no further assistance following the rescue operations