8-year-old praised for emergency RNLI coastal rescue
An eight-year-old boy has been honoured by Barry Dock RNLI after helping raise the alarm when he and his Granscha got into difficulty following a kayak capsize
An eight-year-old boy's bravery has been praised after he played a vital role in rescuing his grandfather during a kayaking accident in the Bristol Channel.
Marley and his grandfather, David ‘Dai’ Jones, were on holiday when their kayak capsized during a trip off the Vale coastline.
Struggling against strong currents and unable to climb back onto the kayak, Dai stayed in the water, holding onto the vessel, while Marley remained onboard.
Dai said: “I was getting tired and cold, and there was a point where I wasn’t sure I’d make it. But I was trying to stay positive and keep calm for Marley.”
Using a mobile phone kept in a waterproof pouch, Marley contacted his Nan, who immediately called 999, leading to the Coastguard notifying Barry Dock RNLI that assistance was needed.
The lifeboat, carrying crew members including helm Andy and volunteers Ben, Gerwyn and Kris, launched swiftly towards Limpet Bay.
Marley and Dai had drifted almost two and a half miles
When they reached the scene, Marley and Dai had drifted approximately two and a half miles over 25 minutes from where they had entered the water.
Both were safely taken aboard the lifeboat and returned to shore, receiving assistance from Coastguard Team volunteers.
Several days after their ordeal, Marley and Dai were invited to visit the Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station, meeting the crew involved in the rescue.
Marley received a medal recognising his courage and maturity during the rescue.
Marley said: “When I called my Nan, I told her I was okay, but Granscha looked like he was drowning and we needed help.”
He expressed his relief when the lifeboat arrived and shared what he learned during his visit to the station, saying he's keen to practise the 'Float to Live' technique in a swimming pool.
Dai reiterated his gratitude towards the RNLI, saying: “I can’t thank the RNLI volunteers enough for what they did for us that day.”
He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the crew, adding that meeting them and thanking them in person was meaningful for both him and Marley.
For emergencies in the water or along the coast, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.