Teenagers rescued after inflatable kayak blows out to sea

Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team (SCRT) was called to a report of an inflatable kayak with two teenage boys on board in Sunderland Harbour at 12.23pm today.

Fortunately, the Port of Sunderland Water Patrol’s rigid boat ‘Patrol’ was in the area at the time and was able to intercept the kayak near the harbour bar.

Both boys were taken on board the patrol boat together with the kayak. They were landed at Sunderland Marina, no worse for their experience, being offered suitable safety advice.

Sunderland RNLI inshore lifeboat was also tasked but not required to launch.

An SCRT statement said: “Members of the public are advised that inflatable kayaks and similar craft can be unsafe to use in tidal waters, especially in offshore wind conditions. They should always be used close to shore and preferably tethered."

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