MOBILE PHONE ALERTS COASTGUARD TO CAPSIZED CANOEIST

Holyhead Coastguard was contacted on 9 June 2001 by a canoeist who capsized in the sea near Holyhead.

The man, who has not been named, managed to call the coastguards from his mobile with one hand while clinging on to the canoe with his other as he told coastguards he was near Skerries Lighthouse.

Coastguards requested the launch of the RNLI inshore and all-weather lifeboats from Holyhead, and mobilized rescue teams from Trearddur Bay and Moelfre.

A fishing trawler eventually spotted him three miles north of Skerries. He was airlifted to hospital by the RAF rescue helicopter, suffering from hypothermia.

Coastguard Ray Carson said, "Communication with the man ended after his initial mobile call and the position he gave was not that accurate and although he was wearing a buoyancy aid and wet suit we were still very worried for his safe return."