Kayaker who capsized in the sea swam to the shore and to the White Horse pub at Brancaster

RNLI Wells sailed out to assist a kayaker today who had capsized his craft and then found himself in difficulty in the channel South of Scolt Head Island.

The Wells inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox, launched with a volunteer crew of three outside the boathouse at 9.44am at high tide, and headed down the harbour channel and out to sea towards Brancaster Harbour.

The lifeboat arrived at the entrance to Brancaster Harbour at 10.04am and proceeded towards the vicinity where the local Coastguard team had sighted the Kayak in the water.

The Coastguard subsequently advised the lifeboat crew that a local fishing vessel had taken the Kayak in tow, so at 10.15am Wells inshore lifeboat rendezvoused with the fishing vessel, and at which point learnt that the person in difficulty had made it to the safety of the shore.

The lifeboat proceeded towards the shore and received confirmation that the kayaker had made it back to the safety of The White Horse public house and was getting warm and dry.

He required no further assistance.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris Hardy, said: "We are very relieved that today’s incident ended well, but it is a reminder of how important it is to always carry a means of being able to call for help when out kayaking.

"A charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and kept on your person is a good means of communication.

"Alternatively, take a waterproof handheld DSC VHF with you.

"Always wear a buoyancy aid, let someone know where you are going and when you will be back, and if you find yourself in difficulty do not hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."