Press release

It's good to share - but not lifejackets

They say it's good to share – but a rescue in the Humber proved that doesn't apply to lifejackets.

This news article was withdrawn on

This article has been withdrawn as it is over 2 years old. It remains available as a public record of events and was accurate at the time of publishing.

Coastguard Rescue Officers

Humber Coastguard received a call just after 10am this morning (25 July 2014) reporting 2 people in the water after their powered canoe had capsized just west of the Humber Bridge.

The Hull Coastguard Rescue Team, Humber Rescue Inshore Lifeboat and the police all attended and found one of the boat’s occupants clinging to his companion, who was the only one wearing a lifejacket.

The RAF search and rescue helicopter from Leconfield lifted the very cold canoeists aboard; they were put ashore and taken to Hull Royal Infirmary, where they were confirmed as well.

Humber Coastguard Watch Manager, Graham Dawson, said:

Anyone taking to the water should always wear their own properly maintained life jacket or buoyancy aid. If you capsize or fall in, there is never a guarantee that you will be able to find an object to cling to. The other occupant of the canoe was fortunate that he was able to hang on to his friend while they awaited rescue, but this can quickly become exhausting – especially in cold water.

Press office

Email public.relations@mcga.gov.uk

Press enquiries 020381 72222 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)

Outside these hours, please dial the press enquiries number for emergency press enquiries only. You will hear a message giving details of how to contact the on call press officer.

Updates to this page

Published 25 July 2014