Lifeboat crews were tasked with locating a missing kayaker at sea on Sunday after one of her group raised a Mayday call.
Conditions off Seahouses, Northumberland, were deteriorating when the kayakers alerted emergency services that one of their group had been missing for 15 minutes.
Seahouses RNLI team were notified at 12.47pm and about to launch, when they reached word that the missing woman, aged 52, had been picked up by a passing fishing boat - with lifeboat crews now kept on standby to assess the patient when she was ashore.
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But concerns were now growing for the nine remaining kayakers as conditions got even worse, and the lifeboat was launched at 2.10pm to ensure their safety - especially as one had now begun paddling in the opposite direction to the group.
The group made it to land and it later transpired that the rogue paddler was travelling in a different direction as his car was parked in another area.
Seahouses RNLI press officer Ian Clayton said: “These kayakers did exactly the right thing in putting out a Mayday call promptly, as sea conditions were not good. We and the kayakers are very grateful to the local fishing boat who reacted so swiftly to their distress call.
"This situation could have ended very differently, and we urge anyone going to sea in canoes or kayaks, to check the weather forecast beforehand. We do not wish to prevent anyone enjoying the coastline, but if in doubt, stay ashore.
"If you do go to sea, ensure you have the right safety equipment, with the ability to request assistance if needed, as this group did. Both the RNLI and HM Coastguard can provide advice if needed.”
The kayaker brought ashore by the fishing boat was treated for hypothermia and required the use of the lifeboat station shower to re-warm her. An ambulance was also requested.
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