A paddle boarder reported feeling “nauseous and weak” after being rescued by the Barbados Coast Guard off Brandon’s Beach in St Michael earlier today.
As a result, the Barbados Coast Guard is reminding beachgoers and mariners that a small craft advisory is in effect and to adhere to all advisories issued by the Barbados Meteorological Services.
“The Barbados Defence Force Maritime Unit, the Barbados Coast Guard conducted a successful Search and Rescue operation at approximately 8:24 a.m. on Sunday, 28 February 2021.
“Reports were of two paddle-boarders encountering difficulties at sea in the area of Brandon’s Beach. One of the sea-boarders was able to make it to the shore,” according to a statement issued by the Barbados Defence Force.
“The prevailing sea conditions and high winds compounded the search efforts. However, the second paddle-boarder was located 4.8 nautical miles west off the Bridgetown Port at 11:40 a.m. The individual was rescued and returned to HMBS PELICAN, experiencing nausea and weakness. Through evaluation, he showed no signs of medical distress.”
The statement reminded the public that the “maritime environment is a dynamic and unforgiving force of nature”.
“This environment is further exacerbated by abnormal weather and oceanographic conditions, currently being experienced in Barbados. This rescue operation illustrates the significant distance a person a person/object can travel, in 3 hours, under the present conditions of high surface winds and strong currents.” (PR)
