Stricken kayaker rescued by Broughty Ferry lifeboat crews after being reported missing

A full scale rescue mission was launched on Friday night after a kayaker became stuck due to falling tides.

Shortly after 8pm on May 24 the alarm was raised after the kayaker was reported missing on the River Tay between Newburgh and Balmerino after failing to return at 6.30pm.

A multi-agency search was launched including both Broughty Ferry lifeboats, coastguard teams from Dundee and Angus, the Scottish Ambulance Service and a coastguard rescue helicopter.

Amid the search, the kayaker was spotted after becoming stuck in shallow water due to falling tides.

The inshore lifeboat was able to navigate the shallow water with the kayaker who was then taken to coastguard teams at Balmerino.

A spokesperson for Broughty Ferry RNLI said: “At 8.15pm on Friday night both Broughty Ferry lifeboats were launched in response to reports of a missing kayaker.

“The kayaker had been paddling between Newburgh to Balmerino and had been due back around 6.30pm.

“HM Coastguard – Angus & Dundee teams, Scottish Ambulance Service and Helicopter 199 from Prestwick were also tasked.

“A search was undertaken with the kayaker spotted shortly after having become stuck due to falling tides.

“Our inshore lifeboat was able to navigate the shallower water with the kayaker and kayak taken to coastguard teams at Balmerino in our inshore lifeboat.

“Luckily for this kayaker this ended well.”

The spokesperson warned: “Please remember how changeable our waters are, be aware of tide times, currents and always let someone know where you intend going and take a mobile phone with you.”

He said that a kayak training exercise held last week was invaluable to the lifeboat crews during Friday night’s rescue.