Rescued teenager clung to capsized kayak for hours

Image source, Kyle RNLI/Andrew MacDonald

Image caption, Kyle RNLI picked up the kayaker after he was spotted by a search helicopter crew

A teenage kayaker clung to his upturned craft for more than two hours before he was found and rescued.

The 17-year-old got into difficulty in Skye's Broadford Bay on Wednesday after weather and sea conditions deteriorated.

He managed to call his family by phone after he capsized, before losing contact with them.

Kyle and Portree RNLI lifeboats and local fishing boats searched for the teenager, before he was spotted by a coastguard helicopter and was safely picked up by Kyle lifeboat.

The alarm was raised late on Wednesday afternoon and the teenager was found shortly after 18:40.

Norman Finlayson, of Kyle RNLI, said the teenager was an experienced kayaker and well-equipped.

Mr Finlayson added: "Conditions were good when he went out, however, unfortunately they began to deteriorate quite quickly.

"He did exactly the correct thing in taking and using his mobile phone to raise the alarm, and then staying with his kayak until he was located."