A major emergency unfolded near Folkestone’s Harbour Arm this morning after a kayaker became separated from their kayak off Folkestone Pier at approximately 9:50am.
A coastguard helicopter was seen hovering over the sea just before 11am, conducting a frantic search for the missing paddler.
Local witnesses described a hectic scene, with one saying, “There was a helicopter in the harbour. Ambulances were coming into town, parking in the large overflow car park.” Both paramedics and coastguard crews were present at the beach as the rescue effort intensified. The helicopter even landed on Folkestone beach to assist with the operation.
A coastguard spokesperson confirmed the details of the rescue: “We were called to reports of a kayaker who had become separated from a kayak off Folkestone Pier. Folkestone Coastguard Rescue Team attended alongside an HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter. The casualty was lifted from the water by a winchman paramedic and passed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service on land.”
At this time, the condition of the kayaker remains unknown. The South East Coast Ambulance Service has been contacted for further updates.
Originally published by UKNIP.
