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Tug saved distressed kayakers

The crew of the 'Sea Imp XII' saved a couple who were struggling in strong currents after their two-person kayak overturned southeast of Nanaimo on Oct 26, 2022. After a crew member on the 'Sea Imp XII' had called in sick, meaning that there would not be a full crew the decision was made to shift the tug from Nanaimo to Chemainus instead of completing a regular shift. On the way south, crew noticed a faint light in water by Dodd Narrows and near Mudge Island. The tug headed towards the light, and the crew heard calls for help and recovered the two. It appeared their kayak had flipped over, throwing the man into the water. The woman remained in the kayak, keeping her head above the water. The man had been trying to swim to shore, but they were being carried by the current. They couple were wearing headlamps, which had provided what was a very dim light seen by the crew. The two were taken to nearby Mudge Island. The man was exhausted when he was rescued, and the crew gave the couple warm clothes. They were met on Mudge Island by emergency responders. The pair had cellphones and had called 911 for help. Canadian Coast Guard vessels from Nanaimo and Ladysmith were sent out, but were called back when they learned the matter was resolved, the Joint Rescue and Co-ordination Centre.