An eight-year-old boy, Marley, helped save his grandfather, David “Dai” Jones, after their kayak capsized off Fontygary on 27 May and they were swept about 2.5 miles by strong Bristol Channel currents. Marley used a phone in a waterproof pouch to alert his nan, who called 999, and Barry Dock RNLI launched an inshore lifeboat that rescued them within roughly 25 minutes. Both were wearing life jackets and were handed to Coastguard volunteers; sea temperatures were about 11–12°C. Marley later received a medal for his calmness and courage.
Eight-Year-Old Marley Helps Rescue Grandad After Kayak Capsizes and Drifts 2.5 Miles
Dai Jones, Marley and Marley's dad Joe visited Barry Dock RNLI station after being rescued by the inshore lifeboat [Barry Dock RNLI]
An eight-year-old boy helped save his grandfather after their kayak capsized off Fontygary in the Vale of Glamorgan, leaving the pair adrift in strong Bristol Channel currents.
Marley and his grandfather, David “Dai” Jones, were kayaking on 27 May when their craft overturned and they could not climb back on board. Dai managed to get Marley back onto the kayak but was unable to haul himself up and stayed in the water holding on as the tide carried them away.
Marley and Dai were rescued by Barry Dock RNLI's inshore lifeboat crew [RNLI Barry Dock]
Remaining calm despite the frightening situation, Marley used a mobile phone kept in a waterproof pouch to call his nan, who then dialled 999. After the emergency call, Barry Dock RNLI launched its inshore lifeboat and made for Limpet Bay.
“I was getting tired and cold and there was a point where I wasn't sure I'd make it,” Dai said. “But I was trying to stay positive and keep calm for Marley because I didn't want him to be frightened. Seeing the lifeboat arrive was a huge relief.”
By the time crews reached them, the pair had drifted roughly two-and-a-half miles (about 3km) in around 25 minutes, from Fontygary Steps to near the Cason by Aberthaw. Both were wearing life jackets and were recovered safely, together with the kayak. They were returned to shore and handed over to Coastguard volunteers.
Marley was presented with a medal to recognise his "calmness, courage and maturity" [RNLI Barry Dock]
Although the day had been warm and sunny, the RNLI noted that sea temperatures off the Vale coastline were only about 11–12°C, a dangerously cold temperature for prolonged immersion.
A few days later, Dai, Marley and Marley’s father, Joe, visited Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station, where Marley was presented with a special medal in recognition of the “calmness, courage and maturity” he showed during the incident.
“When I called my nan, I told her I was okay, but granscha looked like he was drowning and we needed help,” Marley said. “I was really happy when the lifeboat arrived — I thought PHEW! When I visited the lifeboat station afterwards, the crew taught me about ‘Float To Live.’”
Andy, helm of the inshore lifeboat, praised both for following safety advice: wearing life jackets, staying with the kayak and calling for help. He singled out Marley for his composure: “He remained incredibly calm throughout the incident. In what must have been a frightening situation he showed real maturity and stayed level-headed throughout.”
Dai paid tribute to the RNLI volunteers: “The crew were absolutely brilliant and looked after both of us from start to finish. To be honest, I genuinely don't think I'd be here today without them. Meeting the crew afterwards and being able to thank them in person meant a lot to both of us. Marley was so proud to receive his medal and we'll never forget it.”
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