Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team used its boat in the search for the kayaker

A paddler has died after his kayak capsized on a Cumbrian lake.

The man, believed to be in his 20s, was with a friend in a two-man boat on Ullswater this morning when the craft turned over.

Police were alerted at about 8.40 after the ambulance service received a phone call to say there was a man in the water.

One of the men managed to reach the lake shore to raise the alarm after the incident, and members of the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team launched their boat the Patrick Scotty with a crew of four to help in the search for the missing kayaker. Eight other team members also joined the operation.

The Coastguard was joined by a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannett in Ayrshire, the Great North East Air Ambulance, Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire and Rescue and the North West Ambulance Service in the hunt for the missing man.

A spokesperson for the Patterdale MRT said: “The missing person was located by a rescue crew from Outward Bound Ullswater, who began basic life support. The air ambulance paramedics and mountain rescue team arrived on scene shortly afterwards and gave immediate care to the man.

“He was evacuated by air ambulance and sadly he was pronounced dead at hospital later this morning.”

A spokesperson for the police said the man, who is not believed to be local and aged in his 20s, was recovered from the water between Glenridding and Watermillock at around 9am.

The second man, also in his 20s, was taken to Penrith Hospital suffering from hypothermia.

Deputy Team Leader of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team Mike Blakey said: “Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of the young man who tragically lost his life in the lake this morning.”

Police said officers are now working to formally identify the man and inform his immediate family.