A kayaker who had been knocked unconscious was involved in a dramatic rescue in the Carrick Roads on Sunday.

On Sunday, both RNLI Lifeboats were tasked to search for a kayaker following a personal distress beacon signal received.

Whilst on routine Sunday training, the all-weather lifeboat and crew were over at the Helford when the Coastguard tasked them and the inshore lifeboat to respond to a distress beacon alert in the Carrick Roads.

The all-weather lifeboat Richard Cox Scott proceeded at once to the area, with Deputy 2nd Coxswain Carl Beardmore and crew Adam West, Luke Wills, Dave Nicoll, Joe Amps and Lloyd Barron.

The inshore lifeboat also launched from the lifeboat station at 10.50am with Helm Jonathon Hackwell, Tamara Brookes and Tom Bird.

The all-weather lifeboat headed to the area and started a "creeping line" search from Black Rock up to the Carrick Roads.

With the tide going out and a strong Northerly wind, it was also uncertain if the casualty would be with the kayak or separated from it.

On turning towards Mylor, the casualty was sighted, upon which they were picked up out of the water and onto the all-weather lifeboat. It is believed the kayaker hit his head and was knocked unconscious.

When he came round, he had drifted away from sheltered waters and subsequently capsized from the kayak into the water. Despite multiple attempts, the casualty was unable to right and get back into the kayak and wisely held onto the kayak, using his personal distress beacon and mobile phone that he was carrying to call for help.

The all-weather lifeboat crew administered casualty care, and returned to the lifeboat station to await an ambulance, with the casualty suffering from suspected hypothermia. The inshore lifeboat retrieved the kayak from the water and also returned to the station.

Deputy 2nd Coxswain Carl Beardmore highlighted not only the excellent response of the volunteer crew, but also the vital importance of carrying the correct equipment when out on the water:

“This is a clear example of the right kit, right response and crew training all kicking into gear; leading, without a doubt, to the saving of someone’s life. As soon as the alert signal went off, our well-trained crew had the skills and training to find and get this individual out of the water and administer casualty care.

"We can’t emphasise enough the importance of carrying the right kit; it was the casualty’s distress beacon and holding onto the kayak that led to the crew being able to spot them and get them to safety.”

The casualty’s sister was keen to make her appreciation for the crew’s fast response known: “[My brother] was very lucky today and just goes to show no matter how prepared you can be, things can go wrong so quickly. You guys are amazing. Thank you.”