Kite surfer rescued after separating from board in Storm Austen

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 15:28 · Archive

A kite surfer separated from their board in rough water off Essex during Storm Austen was rescued after reaching shore safely.

RNLI Harwich volunteers were called at 10.17am on Sunday, October 25, after reports of a kite surfer getting into trouble off Erwarton Ness on the River Stour during Storm Austen. The kite surfer had become separated from their board and was shouting for help. However, they managed to reach the shore safely, and the lifeboat crew was stood down while heading to the scene. The lifeboat station described water conditions as 'rough - to put it mildly'.

It was one of several call-outs for the Harwich crew during a busy weekend as the storm swept through. On Saturday at 10.50am, the station's inshore lifeboat was launched following reports of two people in the water off Felixstowe. They were found to be open-water swimmers who were safe. The RNLI said the 999 call was made 'with good intent'.

Shortly after the kite surfer incident on Sunday, the coastguard asked the crew to check on a sailing boat which had been reported adrift nearby. The crew initially thought someone might have been on board, but found the boat empty and safely at anchor.

The RNLI urged anyone who sees somebody apparently in trouble in the water to call 999 and ask for the coastguard instead of entering the water themselves. The station said: 'Our RNLI crews would always rather launch and find everyone safe.'

How it is being reported

• Kite surfer in 'rough' water sparks lifeboat launch as strong winds hit EssexRNLI Harwich crews responded to a kite surfer in trouble off Erwarton Ness during Storm Austen on October 25, plus call-outs to swimmers and a nearby boat.Brentwood Guardian · 26 Oct, 14:42
• Kite surfer in 'rough' water sparks lifeboat launch as strong winds hit EssexRNLI Harwich crews responded to a kite surfer in trouble off Erwarton Ness during Storm Austen on October 25, plus call-outs to swimmers and a nearby boat.Echo (Basildon) · 26 Oct, 14:42
• Kite surfer in 'rough' water sparks lifeboat launch as strong winds hit EssexRNLI Harwich crews responded to a kite surfer in trouble off Erwarton Ness during Storm Austen on October 25, plus call-outs to swimmers and a nearby boat.Colchester Gazette · 26 Oct, 14:42

In this story: RNLI Harwich · Erwarton Ness · River Stour · Felixstowe

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