Portsmouth, Va. – The Coast Guard assisted a kayaker Thursday who fell into the water near Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles.
Kiptopeke State Park personnel contacted Coast Guard Station Cape Charles watchstanders at approximately 11 a.m. reporting two kayaks had overturned and people were in the water wearing life jackets.
Crews aboard a 25-foot Response Boat – Small and a 45-foot Response Boat – Medium from Station Cape Charles were diverted from training.
The RBS crew arrived on scene, retrieved one man from the water and took him to shore at the state park where he declined any medical treatment.
“The Coast Guard’s timely response and the preparedness of the kayakers led to a positive outcome in this situation,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Justin Repasi, a search and rescue controller at Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads. “Once the crew had the person aboard their boat, their priority was to get the victim warm to prevent the onset of hypothermia.”
The second kayaker was able to get back into his kayak and made it to shore.
The RB-M crew retrieved the remaining kayak and took it to the state park.
“As water temperatures continue to drop, so does the length of time a person can survive in the water,” said Repasi. “It is essential for mariners to wear protective clothing that will protect them during a distress situation.”
There were no reports of injuries.
