Fears for kite surfer leads to callout for emergency crews on Northumberland coast

Seahouses Coastguard Rescue Team were paged by Humber Coastguard today at 12.30pm today, Sunday, September 27, to a report of a kite surfer in difficulty.

The RNLI volunteers based in the village were also contacted at the same time to offer assistance.

A spokesperson for the Coastguard team said: “While en route we were informed that the casualty had made it ashore and once on scene it was made apparent that this was a false alarm with good intent.

"In speaking with the casualty and his friends, it transpired that they were experienced in their sport and also lived locally and were aware of local currents, tides and weather conditions and how to deal with them.

"The North Sea is a very cold body of water with strong currents and the sea condition today was quite choppy.

"Without knowledge of local conditions, it could be very easy to find yourself in difficulty.

"Happily, today was a false alarm with good intent but we would prefer to attend and find everyone safe and well than not be paged and the scenario be much worse.

"Therefore if you see someone who may be in difficulty always dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

The RNLI has said its inshore lifeboat was also requested by the Coastguard and was in the process of launching when a follow up message was received stating it was no longer needed.

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