Penarth Lifeboat Launch: Kayakers Rescue 29/12/2011 

Penarth Lifeboat was launched today (December 29 2011) to rescue two kayakers in distress off Lavernock Point in the Bristol Channel. Another kayak with two others on board refused help from the lifeboat and stayed out at sea despite heavy rain and high winds. An inflatable ZapCat rib rendered assistance until the lifeboat arrived on the scene. The two casualties were brought ashore in thermal blankets and received medical checks for hypothermia at the lifeboat house. Their grey-coloured kayak was salvaged and lifted aboard the lifeboat to be brought ashore.
Docking in reverse is never easy - especially when the ebb tide is running (left to right) across the narrow gate of the lifeboat trailer. At the second attempt - with both engines in full reverse - the lifeboat is settled on her trailer and hauled out.