An outing on a sea kayak almost ended in tragedy for a family in Hoekwil in the Western Cape.

A 50-year-old father, who is an experienced sea kayak fisherman, and his daughter (17) had paddled out to sea as part of the daughter’s birthday celebration, according to NSRI Wilderness commander Mike Vonk.

The father and daughter’s kayak capsized and members of the NSRI Wilderness reacted to the emergency after being alerted by an eyewitness at 17:45.

Vonk said the NSRI duty crew responded and the rescue craft Ann Stratford was launched.

Vonk commended the eyewitness who raised the alarm and who stood by on the scene to assist with the NSRI pink rescue buoy.

The kayak had washed ashore, leaving the father and daughter in difficulties in the mid-break surf line.

“Our rescue craft reached the father and daughter, who were both wearing personal flotation devices (PFD) and the NSRI crew took them onto the rescue craft. They were brought to shore where the daughter was assessed by an NSRI medic and she was not injured. They required no further assistance,” said Vonk.

Vonk also commended the two for wearing PFDs.