Press Notice No: 043/10
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Posted 17:38 GMT

At eleven minutes past four this afternoon, Clyde Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public who could see something floating in the water.

Clyde Coastguard called out the Dunoon Coastguard Rescue team and dispatched the police launch Rhona to locate the object and identify.

The Royal Navy Rescue Helicopter R177 which was in the air on exercise was sent to assist. The police launch Rhona upon arriving on scene was able to confirm that the object was a man who had been canoeing. He was winched into the helicopter and taken to the Southern General Hospital where he is recovering from his ordeal after spending an hour in the water.

His green canoe has not been located.

Andy McMillan, Clyde Coastguard Watch Manager, said;
We would like to thank the caller who made the emergency call.
Thankfully this canoeist is recovering in hospital. He was wearing an aid to keep him afloat which undoubtedly contributed to keeping him alive whilst he was in the water.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors


• Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch

• The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector. www.seavisionuk.org

• Follow us on Twitter. We can be found at MCA_media


For further information please contact
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on:
(023) 8032 9401



Posted By: Maggie Hill

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401