RNLI's Kyle of Lochalsh lifeboat and the UK Coastguard rescue helicopter scrambled to save capsized kayaker in blustery conditions in Loch Carron near Plockton
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A KAYAKER who capsized and was left clinging to his boat in the frigid and choppy waters of Loch Carron sparked an air and sea rescue operation this afternoon.
The UK Coastguard helicopter and the RNLI were scrambled to the Plockton area when a Mayday call was made shortly after midday.
The RNLI's Kyle of Lochalsh lifeboat was launched at 12.16pm to reports that the kayaker had capsized, was unable to get back into it and had been in the water "for some time".
The lifeboard arrived on the scene at 12.28pm, where they found the man "uninjured but extremely cold, clinging onto his kayak in the gusty conditions".
He was scooped from the water and taken to shore in Plockton and a waiting ambulance.
Speaking of the incident, a Kyle RNLI spokesperson said: "The casualty was well prepared with a buoyancy aid and a personal locator beacon. Unfortunately, when he went to use the PLB he realised that the battery was dead, however as he also had a mobile phone, he used this to raise the alarm."
After transferring the man to the ambulance the lifeboat left the scene at 12.43pm and returned to Kyle, where it was refuelled and ready for service again by 1pm.
Today's call-out was the 13th for the Kyle crew since the start of the year.
