Boy, 8, helps save grandad after capsized kayak drifts two miles off coast

A brave eight-year-old boy helped save his grandad after the pair drifted more than two miles (3km) from the coast on a capsized kayak.

Marley and his granscha, David "Dai" Jones, from Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, had been kayaking off Fontygary in the Vale of Glamorgan on 27 May when they capsized and were unable to get back onboard.

Dai managed to help Marley back onto the kayak but could not climb back on himself. He remained in the water holding on as the pair drifted in the strong Bristol Channel currents.

Despite the "frightening" situation, Marley remained calm and used a mobile phone kept in a waterproof pouch to contact his nan on shore, who called 999.

After the alarm was raised, Barry Dock RNLI's inshore lifeboat was launched towards 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, Marley and Dai had drifted about two-and-a-half miles in around 25 minutes, from Fontygary Steps to near the Cason by Aberthaw.

Both were wearing life jackets and were safely recovered, along with the kayak, before being returned to shore and handed to Coastguard volunteers.

Although conditions were warm and sunny, the RNLI said sea temperatures off the Vale coastline were about 11C to 12C.

A few days later, Dai, Marley and Marley's dad, Joe, visited Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station where Marley was presented with a special medal to recognise 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, said Marley and Dai had done "exactly the right things" by wearing life jackets, staying with the kayak and calling for help.

"I'd particularly like to praise Marley," he added. "He remained incredibly calm throughout the incident.

"In what must have been a frightening situation...he showed real maturity and stayed level-headed throughout.

"We're really pleased this incident ended safely and it was great to meet everybody at the lifeboat station because we don't often get the chance to chat to the people we rescue."

Dai said he could not thank the RNLI volunteers enough.

"The crew were absolutely brilliant and looked after both of us from start to finish," he said.

"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."