Coast Guard Rescues Kayaker Near Kiptopeke

     Portsmouth, Va. -- The Coast Guard rescued a Chantilly native near Kiptopeke Sunday evening. The man, who had been kayaking along the Eastern Shore, called 911 at 8:30 p.m. reporting that his kayak had capsized southwest of Kiptopeke.

     The 911 call was transferred to Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Command Center watchstanders, who dispatched a 25-foot Response Boat - Small crew from Coast Guard Station Cape Charles along with an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C. Two Virginia Marine Police boatcrews also launched to search for the missing man.

     The RB-S crew located the man at 9:05 p.m. and transported him to Kiptopeke State Park where he was met by awaiting emergency medical services and taken to Nassawadox Hospital.

     "This is the second case this week where a boater likely saved his life by wearing a life jacket," said Lt. Jack Smith, a public affairs officer at Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads. "The cold weather and water temperatures are unforgiving, and boaters need to be prepared for the worst out there."