Teen and mum pulled from Portland harbour in major rescue

The pair were kayaking and paddleboarding in Portland Harbour when they got into trouble on the water at around 4.45pm yesterday.

They had been pushed across the harbour by a strong offshore wind and the mother reportedly had fallen into the water and was very distressed.

A coastguard helicopter was tasked to assist them together with lifeboat crews from Weymouth, Portland and Wyke Regis stations.

Despite 'tricky' weather the lifeboat crews brought the cold and exhausted parent and child ashore near Billy Winters.

A spokesperson for the Weymouth Lifeboat said: "A second tasking request was received 4.46pm today, Saturday 12 August, to attend a 15-year-old and his mother in difficulty in Portland harbour.

"Our volunteer inshore lifeboat crew launched the B class Jack and Phyl Cleare (B-917) at 5pm and were rapidly on scene at 5.05pm.

"Weather on scene was tricky with a force six south-westerly wind blowing across the harbour, although the morning mist had cleared and visibility was good.

"The mother and son had been out on their kayak and paddle board, but got into difficulties and the mother was in the water and very distressed 0.25 nautical miles off Ferry Bridge but drifting across the harbour.

"The lifeboat crew assisted the casualties, which were both cold and exhausted, ashore in the vicinity of Billy Winters, Ferry Bridge.

"Both Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team and the coastguard helicopter were also tasked."

A spokesperson for the Portland Bill Rescue Team said: "On scene Weymouth lifeboat quickly located the kayakers and recovered them from the water.

"The casualties were then returned to the slipway at Ferrybridge Marina to be met by the awaiting Coastguard Rescue Officers and paramedics.

"Safety advice was given and casualties were checked over by paramedics. Other than a little wet and cold both kayakers were confirmed to be fit and well by paramedics and all assets were stood down and returned to their stations."