Capsized kayaker rescued after being spotted by member of public 

Kayaker was rescued after getting into difficulty on the Firth of Forth on Sunday afternoon.

Capsized kayaker rescued from Firth of Forth after being spotted by member of publicRNLI via Supplied

A rescue operation was launched to save a capsized kayaker in the Firth of Forth after they were spotted getting into difficulty by a bystander.

A mayday call was raised after a member of the public spotted the kayaker getting into trouble 500m north of Cramond Island around 3pm on Sunday.

Coastguard teams from Queensferry were despatched to the scene and reached the man at around 3.20pm.

The kayaker was brought ashore at Granton harbour by RNLI lifeboat ‘Jimmie Cairncross’ and checked over by a paramedic who assessed that the kayaker, although uninjured, was extremely cold and tired.

Mike, Queensferry RNLI Helm, said: ‘Although the kayaker was extremely cold and tired, they managed to stay with the kayak and hold their paddle up in the air which in no doubt helped us find them quickly.

“They were also wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device).

“When we reached the casualty, they were unsure how long they had been in the water for, their training and equipment played a massive part in the outcome of this rescue.”

Adrian, Queensferry RNLI deputy launch authority, said: “The bystander did the right thing in calling 999 and asking the UK Coastguard for help.”

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