Kayakers airlifted after vessel capsizes

A Coastguard search and rescue helicopter yesterday assisted in an incident south of Aviemore where two kayakers found themselves in difficulty.

The incident took place shortly before 2pm in the Inverdruie area and was attended by two ambulances and the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter.

Police Scotland and Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team were also made aware of the incident. Search and rescue helicopter Rescue 951 was tasked from its base in Inverness after the Scottish Ambulance Service requested assistance from the

“He had been immersed in water for about one hour”

Aeronautical Response Coordination Centre after reports that a kayak with two people onboard had capsized in the River Spey.

Following a brief search, the Coastguard helicopter located a female kayaker onshore suffering from cold.

Around five minutes later the second kayaker, a man, was located by the Coastguard helicopter.

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “The Coastguard winchman was lowered down to the casualty and then assisted the male kayaker to a more accessible location on the other side of the river along with his female companion.

“The male kayaker had been immersed in water for about one hour, but despite both their ordeals they were able to walk to the waiting ambulance where they were quickly warmed and treated for cold.”

A male who is approximately 62 years old was flown to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. The severity of the man’s injuries are unknown.