Hornsea Inshore Rescue has revealed how four lives were saved by their efforts this weekend.
On Saturday, June 28, the team was tasked to aid two kayakers who were reportedly in difficulty around half a mile off Skipsea Sands. “Spirit of Hornsea” was swiftly launched by Launchmaster Rob Prince within five minutes of the call being received.
Coxswain Rob Carthew was at the helm with crew comprising Sue Hickson-Marsay MBE, Carl Handley, and Jake Blackburn-Roberts. While the kayaks were dark coloured and difficult to see, the coastguard thankfully had a bearing on them.
Both kayakers had been in the water for a substantial time as a result of being tipped up by a large wave. Both were brought on board the life boat and given first aid.
After being returned to Hornsea Slipway, they were passed to paramedics who treated them for hypothermia. After an hour at the Hornsea Inshore HQ, they were assessed as being fit enough to return to their waiting families.
Speaking about the incident, Station Manager Sue Hickson-Marsay MBE said: “The casualties were very lucky that the coastguards had a bearing on their position which saved vital time, meaning we didn’t need to operate a search pattern and it was crucial the casualties were picked out of the water without delay before they succumbed to the cold water.
“The kayaks would have been difficult to spot as they were dark coloured and I would strongly advise anyone going out to see to wear something fluorescent, preferably yellow. Both casualties were wearing buoyancy aids which again are essential when venturing out onto the water.”
The hard work of the team didn’t end there. At 6:50pm the same day, the lifeboat was again tasked, this time to rescue two people in the sea due to being stranded by the incoming tide between Hornsea and Mappleton.
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Again, Spirit of Hornsea was launched by Launchmaster Rob Prince withLeading Coxswain Karl Shannon and crew Jake Roberts, Carl Handley and Adam Collins on board. Thankfully, the two stranded people were quickly located and brought safely back to HQ and found to be in good health.
Leading Coxswain Karl Shannon reiterated the warnings of the fast incoming tide south of Hornsea saying, “People should always check the times of the high tide before walking this stretch of beach BUT be aware that due to the erosion, the tide comes in very quickly and reaches the bottom of the cliffs sometimes three hours before high tide.
“We are tending to rescue more and more people cut off by the tide in this area and the danger is very real indeed.”
Hornsea Inshore Rescue is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are a totally independent local rescue organisation supported solely by donations and grants. Hornsea Inshore Rescue is situated at the southern end of Hornsea promenade. It is a totally independent organisation run entirely by volunteers and receives no government nor RNLI funding. It is not part of the RNLI.
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