Kayakers Stranded on Darnet Ness Rescued After Brutal Medway Winds
On Saturday, 29 January 2022, a group of kayakers found themselves trapped by fierce winds and choppy waves on the River Medway. They became stranded on tiny Darnet Ness island and had to call emergency services for help.
Police Swim Through Mud to Reach Stranded Kayakers
The Coastguard received a 999 call around midday and quickly alerted the kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police Search and Marine Unit. Officers raced to the shoreline but couldn’t get close enough by boat. Two officers bravely swam through around 100 metres of thick mud to reach the exhausted group and checked them for injuries.
RNLI Lifeboat Joins Rescue With Smaller Craft
The RNLI Sheerness Lifeboat arrived with a smaller Rigid Inflatable Boat (RHIB), managing to get closer to shore. They ferried the kayakers to Kent Police’s larger RHIB Invicta, which could fit everyone and the kayaks onboard.
Safe Return to Gillingham Marina
With the kayaks in tow, Invicta transported the entire group back to Gillingham Marina, where the Coastguard was waiting. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident.
Police Constable Ryan Duffy of Kent Police’s Search and Marine Unit said: “Thankfully no one was hurt and the group had the right equipment with them – dry suits, flotation devices, VHF radios, and mobile phones – so they were able to call for rescue. Even experienced water users can be caught out by strengthening winds and deteriorating conditions, and need to have the ability to call for help if needed. I am pleased we were able to work with our partners to safely rescue them.”
