A world-record adventurer has been rescued during a solo kayaker challenge from California to Hawaii after signalling with a hand flare.
Cyril Derreumaux had spent three years preparing for the 70-day solo trip from Sausalito to Honolulu. It began on 31 May.
Just six days in, the kayaker lost contacted the US Coast Guard after losing his sea anchor, rudder and GPS capability and nearly capsizing in 45-knot winds and 12-foot waves.
Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders sent out a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to rescue Cyril Derreumaux. He was around 70 miles west of Santa Cruz.
He signalled to the crew using a hand flare from his 23-foot (7-metre) kayak. Mr Derreumaux was hoisted into the helicopter and taken to San Francisco.
Coast Guard spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Kroll, says, “Recognizing that the situation was beyond his capabilities and calling for assistance allowed our crews to reach him in time for a successful rescue,” said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Kroll, a Coast Guard spokesperson. “This shows that even experienced mariners with proper safety equipment can get into trouble on the ocean, which is why having the right equipment and knowing when and how to use it is so important.”
Mr Derreumaux was reported to be in good condition with no medical concerns. He is hoping to plan a similar trip when practical.
The image is courtesy of the US Coast Guard.
In 2016. Mr Derreumaux was part of a four-man crew that rowed from California to Hawaii in under 40 days. That earned him and his teammates a Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing.
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