A kayaker's trip off the coast of Cornwall took a dangerous turn on the last day of June.

On Sunday, June 30 a swift and coordinated effort by the RNLI Penlee and Lizard Lifeboats, Falmouth Coastguard, Mullion Cliff Rescue Team, and an ambulance crew brought a kayaker to safety after he capsized in challenging conditions west of Mullion.

The person was on a double kayak that capsized but after several attempts to get back on board in a fresh north west wind and choppy conditions got tired and held on to the kayak waiting for help while a colleague on another kayak paddled ashore and raised the alarm.

A colleague who was also kayaking managed to reach shore and raise the alarm with the Falmouth Coastguard.

Both Penlee’s B Class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, the ‘Mollie and Ivor Dent’. And the Lizard All weather lifeboat, the ‘Rose’ was dispatched at 5.30pm. Penlee’s ILB arrived on the scene within 25 minutes, shortly before the Lizard lifeboat, to find the kayaker hypothermic and extremely weak.

The Penlee crew quickly hauled him aboard their lifeboat and after initial assessment, decided to transfer the casualty to the larger Lizard lifeboat for further medical treatment. With the assistance of two Lizard crew members, the successful transfer took place.

However, a further evaluation of the kayaker’s condition led to the decision to call in the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter. The casualty was then winched aboard the helicopter and transported to hospital.

Meanwhile, Penlee's ILB recovered the kayaker's partner, who was also experiencing the effects of the cold, and transported them and the kayak to Mullion Harbour. They were met by the Mullion Cliff Rescue Team and an ambulance for treatment.

This rescue marked the first service for Penlee crew member Amy Smith as coxswain, who was covering for the Lizard Lifeboat station.