A warning has been issued to sea sports enthusiasts after a freak wave pitched a kayaker into the Solway off Rockcliffe on Monday.
Kippford lifeboat raced to the scene and after a tricky manoeuvre plucked the man from a rocky outcrop below cliffs at Castle Point.
The middle-aged kayaker, who was from Dumfries and Galloway but not immediately local, had managed to scramble ashore after capsizing.
Walkers on the coastal path above phoned 999 after spotting him and Belfast Coastguard gave the shout to Kippford RNLI at 3.56pm.
Lifeboat crew member and press officer Laura Wilson said conditions appeared relatively benign – but warned of the unpredictable nature of the Solway.
She told the News: “We recorded the weather as force two wind from the south west and a slight sea state.
“There was a wave height of around a metre but occasionally a much bigger wave would come through.
“The kayaker said a freak wave had caught him – and that’s what we were finding on the way out.
“We had to veer down in the boat and drop anchor, using it to steady the boat so we could get to him in a controlled manner.
“He was pretty cold and tired by the time we picked him up and was very glad to see us.
“He had been out for a couple of hours by the time we were called.
“People should be prepared and be aware that things can change very quickly.”
Ms Wilson added: “The kayaker was very fortunate to have been spotted by a group of walkers.
“They were able to pinpoint his location which assisted greatly with a speedy rescue. Although familiar with the area and a competent kayaker he was unlucky to be caught out by a change in the weather and wave conditions.
“We’d urge everyone taking part in coastal activities to have a means of calling for help.
“If they get in difficulty call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”
Kippford RNLI’s lifeboat D-854 Ronnie Sinclair, steered by helm John Robertson, took the man back to Kippford lifeboat station.
The boat then returned to retrieve the kayak which had washed up further along the shoreline.
Portling Coastguard team assisted in safely recovering the boat.
