Barry Dock RNLI volunteers save grandfather and grandson after pair drift more than two miles in powerful currents
AN eight-year-old boy has been praised for his bravery and quick thinking after a kayaking trip with his grandfather ended in a dramatic RNLI rescue off the Vale of Glamorgan coast.
Barry Dock RNLI volunteers launched to rescue Marley and his grandfather, David “Dai” Jones, after their kayak capsized in the Bristol Channel on Wednesday, May 27.
The pair had been enjoying a holiday at Fontygary when they decided to take their kayak out onto the water. However, after capsizing, they were unable to get back onboard together.
Realising the situation was becoming increasingly dangerous, Dai helped Marley climb back onto the kayak but was unable to get on himself. He remained in the water holding onto the craft as strong currents carried them away from shore.
“I was getting tired and cold and there was a point where I wasn’t sure I’d make it,” said Dai.
“But I was trying to stay positive and keep calm for Marley because I didn’t want him to be frightened. Seeing the lifeboat arrive was a huge relief.”
Despite the frightening circumstances, Marley remained calm and used a mobile phone stored in a waterproof pouch to contact his grandmother on shore. After learning what had happened, she immediately called 999 and asked for the Coastguard.
Barry Dock RNLI’s D-class inshore lifeboat was tasked to the incident and launched with helm Andy and crew members Ben, Gerwyn and Kris.
By the time the lifeboat reached the casualties near Aberthaw, the pair had drifted approximately two-and-a-half miles in just 25 minutes, carried by the powerful tides and currents of the Bristol Channel.
Marley was found sitting on top of the kayak while Dai remained in the water clinging to it. After spending around 25 minutes in sea temperatures of just 11–12°C, Dai was suffering from the effects of cold water and exhaustion.
Both casualties, along with the kayak, were safely recovered onto the lifeboat and returned to shore, where they were met by Coastguard volunteers.
A few days later, Marley and Dai were invited to visit Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station, where they met the volunteer crew who rescued them.
During the visit, Marley was presented with a special medal in recognition of the calmness, courage and maturity he displayed throughout the incident.
“When I called my Nan, I told her I was okay, but Granscha looked like he was drowning and we needed help,” Marley said.
“I was really happy when the lifeboat arrived – I thought, ‘Phew!’
“The crew taught me about Float to Live. The thing I’ll remember is to lie on my back like a starfish if I ever get into trouble in the water.”
RNLI helm Andy praised both Marley and Dai for the actions they took after getting into difficulty.
“Even when people are experienced and prepared, things can go wrong very quickly at sea, particularly in the Bristol Channel where the tides and currents are extremely powerful,” he said.
“Marley and Dai did exactly the right things. They were both wearing lifejackets, they had a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, they called for help when they realised they could not get safely back to shore, and they stayed with the kayak.
“I’d particularly like to praise Marley. He remained incredibly calm, contacted his Nan, shared his location and helped raise the alarm while keeping an eye on his Granscha in what must have been a frightening situation.”
Andy added that Dai’s actions in ensuring Marley got back onto the kayak after it capsized were also crucial to the safe outcome.
Reflecting on the rescue, Dai paid tribute to the RNLI volunteers who came to their aid.
“I can’t thank the RNLI volunteers enough for what they did for us that day,” he said.
“To be honest, I genuinely don’t think I’d be here today without them.
“Meeting the crew afterwards and being able to thank them in person meant a lot to both of us. Marley was so proud to receive his medal and we’ll never forget it.”
The RNLI is reminding anyone heading onto the water to wear suitable safety equipment, carry a means of communication and check weather and tide conditions before setting out.
Anyone who sees a person in difficulty at sea or along the coast should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
