In a daring operation, the Sheerness RNLI lifeboat crew successfully rescued three kayakers from the perilous tides of the River Medway, near the Isle of Grain, on Saturday, April 6. The emergency unfolded around 3.20 pm when one of the kayakers capsized and found himself struggling in the water, prompting an urgent call to the coastguard.
The inshore lifeboat was dispatched to the scene at Half Acre Creek, where volunteers swiftly recovered the capsized kayaker from the cold grips of the river. In a critical move, the coastguard helicopter was called in, airlifting the man to the hospital for immediate medical attention.
Further into the rescue mission, two more kayakers from the same group, which totalled eight individuals, were discovered in distress, trapped in the mud along the riverbanks. These individuals were also rescued and safely transported back to the Sheerness lifeboat station. The remaining five members of the group later confirmed their safety, reporting that they had reached ashore near Motney Hill.
Sheerness RNLI Coxswain Paul Jarvis reflected on the incident, highlighting the hazardous combination of factors that led to the kayakers’ predicament. This was a classic case of wrong area, wrong time, and wrong conditions,” he said, pointing out the inexperienced nature of some group members with the day’s tough conditions, exacerbated by southwest winds blowing at a force of six to seven on a falling tide.
The successful resolution of this incident underscores the critical importance of the RNLI’s work and the expertise of its volunteer crews. Jarvis’s relief at the positive outcome was palpable, crediting the crew’s high level of training and intimate knowledge of the local waterways for averting what could have been a tragic event.
Following the rescue, the RNLI has issued a cautionary reminder to the public about the importance of checking weather and tide conditions before engaging in water-based activities. The charity urges individuals to seek advice from local sailing and water sports groups to better understand the potential challenges they may face on the water.
This incident coincides with the Environment Agency’s recent flood alerts for the Kent coast and a specific flood warning for the tidal section of the River Medway. Areas including Aylesford, Larkfield, Wouldham, the Medway Towns, and parts of the Isle of Grain are among those impacted, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness among coastal and riverside communities.
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