Kayakers rescued after capsizing off Findhorn

TWO kayakers had to be rescued from being swept out to sea off the Moray coast yesterday afternoon.

The duo got into difficulty after capsizing and losing their paddles just off the entrance to Findhorn Bay on Sunday, February 28.

Burghead and Nairn Coastguard rescue teams and Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO) responded around 2.30pm after the kayakers made a 999 call.

The HM Coastguard Rescue helicopter from Inverness was also despatched.

A Coastguard spokesperson said the outgoing tide was pulling the stricken kayakers farther out to sea. Both had been in the water "for some time".

A MIRO spokesperson said the kayakers were well equipped with buoyancy aids.

The kayakers were rescued by MIRO, whose team made their way at speed to locate the pair.

They were handed over to Coastguard rescue officers in Findhorn and assessed by the winchman paramedic from the helicopter before being allowed to go home.

MIRO operations manager Peter Mackenzie said: "This was our third call-out of 2021 and, following two recent call-outs in the Nairn area, this one was very close to MIRO’s base in Findhorn.

"Once again, I am very pleased with how quickly the crew responded, making their way to the marina and launching MIRO rescue from her winter storage in the boatyard within 12 minutes of being paged by the UK Coastguard."

MIRO chairman John Low said: "MIRO crew and shore support volunteers remain on call 365 days of the year even in the current lockdown, ensuring they are ready to respond when the pager sounds.

"We had a record 25 call-outs in 2020 and it is looking like 2021 is going to be another busy year for MIRO."

The Coastguard have issued some safety reminders as the weather improves and more kayakers get out to enjoy the coast: always carry a means of calling for help and have it somewhere easy to reach; always wear a personal floatation device; and check weather forecasts and tide times.