CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard rescued a lost kayaker, Thursday, on the Altamaha River near Brunswick, Georgia.
Coast Guard Sector Charleston watchstanders received a notification at 8:45 p.m. from Coast Guard Station Brunswick of a disoriented and lost kayaker who called the station for assistance. The kayaker was reportedly in a lime green kayak, without lights and was wearing a black life jacket.
Sector Charleston watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of a Station Brunswick boat crew. Personnel from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Glynn County Police Department and Glynn County Fire Department were also dispatched to assist.
Watchstanders were able to obtain a cell phone ping before the lost kayaker’s phone died. Using the information, the boat crew diverted to the kayaker’s last known position and located him.
The boat crew transported the kayaker to Mudcat Charlie’s in Brunswick where he was reunited with his wife.
No medical concerns were reported.
“Paddlers, like all boaters, should always maintain situational awareness and have reliable communication equipment, such as a waterproof, handheld VHF-FM marine radio, which can serve as a direct link to the Coast Guard and other rescue personnel during emergencies,” said Scott Szczepaniak, recreational boating safety specialist, Coast Guard Seventh District. “If you routinely paddle at night, ensure your life jacket and kayak are outfitted with retroreflective tape and carry a waterproof strobe light as a nighttime distress signal.”
Check here for a series of videos on paddling safety. A paddle craft safety checklist from the American Canoe Association can be found here.
Please direct any questions about paddle craft safety to Scott.J.Szczepaniak@uscg.mil or 843-327-9655.
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