At about 12:00PM yesterday, 4 November, police received a report of a person in distress in the waters off Cemetery Beach in West Bay. It was reported that two women had gone out paddle boarding but one of the women had been unable to make it back to shore due to the motion of the current. The RCIPS, HSA, Fire Service, and CI Coast Guard responded, with the police helicopter being deployed. Members of the public also assisted the search in private vessels.
At about 1:20PM, the woman was located by the police helicopter about four miles offshore, and a Coast Guard vessel was guided to her location. She was taken aboard the vessel without incident and transported back to shore, where she was evaluated by EMS and found to be in good health.
The RCIPS is taking this opportunity to remind the public to take suitable precautions before heading out onto open water. Persons should always check the sea conditions and be aware of any marine warnings or advisories in place. It is also a good idea to wear bright-coloured clothing in colours which contrast with the surrounding water, and carry a means of calling for help, potentially a mobile phone in a water-proof container. As always, when participating in any water-based activity, staying safe, and within your limits, should always be the number one priority.
We would also like to express sincere gratitude to the members of the public, in particular, the crew of the Cayman Aggressor IV, who assisted in the search.