Kayaker “could have died” after being swept under pier near Camber
Warnings have been issued after a rising number of incidents
A kayaker “could have died” after being swept under a pier in waters around the Camber in Old Portsmouth.
Fishermen reported seeing the incident last week that led to the individual being flipped over after a powerful surge of water from a boat.
It comes as a rising number of reports have been made of youths swimming in the water along with recreational water users entering operational waters around the Camber and Gunwharf ferry terminal.
Speaking of the incident involving the kayaker, a member of Camber Fishing said: “The back engine of a boat was going, which is very powerful, when the kayaker was coming into the stretch used by the ferries.
“The kayak was flipped over and he was pushed under the pier before a police patrol turned up to rescue him. Luckily he was ok but he could have died.”
Wightlink has been working with Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, harbour authorities and other local organisations following the increase of potentially dangerous events.
“Recent incidents have included people swimming in ferry operating areas and a canoeist capsizing after being affected by water movement near a pontoon,” a spokesperson for Wightlink said.
In response, Wightlink and its partners have introduced a range of measures including additional signage, improved reporting processes, targeted patrols and public awareness activity.