Canoeists get into difficulty in severe weather

London, 5 April/GNN/ -- MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (Duty 3) issued by The Government News Network on 5 April 2008 At 12.46 Humber Maritime Coastguard received a 999 call reporting f

Craster Lifeboat took two casualties aboard, two made shore themselves and
the remaining canoeist was escorted ashore where he was assisted by the
Coastguard Team to get his canoe ashore. One of the casualties has been
checked by ambulance personnel and is suffering from hypothermia.

The forecast for the area is North or Northwest 5 to 7, occasionally gale 8,
perhaps severe gale 9 later, with sea state moderate increasing rough or
very rough.

Alex Harrison of Humber Coastguard said:

"The canoeists were lucky that a member of the public had the presence of
mind to contact the Coastguard by calling 999. We remind people to carry the
correct safety equipment and also to let the Coastguard know your intentions,
and check the forecast for the area. Weather available from the Met Office
website on www.metoffice.gov.uk or from the Coastguard."

For further information please contact Duty Press Officer on 07917555634 or
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office on: (023) 8032 9401

Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the
Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

Source: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

2008-04-05 09:58:51 0328725 PRNEWSWIRE