A kayaker had a lucky escape after being rescued by fishermen when she was swept out to sea off the isle of Barra. The woman had been kayaking off Traigh a Bhaigh beach on the Hebridean island when she fell out of her boat and started drifting away with the tide. Her husband tried to rescue her but also got swept out to sea. He managed to swim back to shore, but the woman kept drifting until a passing fishing boat spotted her and brought her back to land.
The coastguard was alerted to the incident at 11:26 on Friday and dispatched the Barra lifeboat, coastal rescue team, and a rescue helicopter to the scene. A coastguard spokesperson mentioned that both individuals received assistance. They said, “Someone had come off their kayak, and the husband had gone in to rescue her. The two of them were getting swept away. The husband made it back to shore on his own, and the lady was rescued by a passing small fishing boat.”
Thankfully, the kayaker was wearing a lifejacket when she fell into the water, and she was conscious and breathing when she was brought ashore. The coastguard emphasized how fortunate it was that a passing boat spotted the woman and brought her back safely. The kayaker was taken to the hospital for checks following the incident.
In situations like this, it’s crucial to always wear a lifejacket when engaging in water activities. This simple safety measure can make a significant difference in emergencies, as it did in this case. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the tides and currents when kayaking or participating in similar activities in the sea to avoid getting swept away.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with water sports and the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations. The quick response from the coastguard and the assistance provided by the passing fishing boat were instrumental in ensuring the safety of the kayaker. It’s a testament to the significance of being vigilant and having proper safety measures in place when enjoying outdoor activities, especially in natural environments like the sea.
