Heroic Rescue After Kayak Capsizes Off Pagham Harbour
Emergency services sprang into action after a frantic 999 call reported two people in trouble near a brightly coloured kayak, 800 metres off Pagham harbour.
Rapid Response from UK Coastguard Lifeboat
At 3:09pm on Friday, June 17, the D class inshore lifeboat (ILB) launched without delay. Five minutes later, the pink kayak was spotted. By 3:15pm, the lifeboat crew had hauled a stranded man and woman from the chilly waters.
Kayak Capsizes After Watertight Locker Incident
The drama unfolded when the kayak capsized after its watertight locker was opened. While trying to retrieve an item, the vessel submerged. The crew quickly righted the kayak and emptied the water on board.
Thanks to calm seas and a light breeze, the rescue went smoothly. The casualties, clad in cold but otherwise unharmed, were landed on Aldwick beach at 3:44pm. They were handed over to the Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team.
Lifeboat Back in Action in Under an Hour
The ILB stood down at 3:55pm and returned to Selsey by 4:13pm. The crew immediately washed, refuelled, and prepped the lifeboat for its next call.
