Both Dunbar RNLI lifeboats launched after cliff fall
Dunbar RNLI’s two lifeboats launched last night (Sunday 8 February) after a person fell from cliffs by the town’s leisure pool.
As part of a large scale emergency operation, which also involved coastguard teams from Dunbar, North Berwick and Eyemouth, Scottish Fire and Recue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service and police, HM Coastguard paged the lifeboat volunteers at 10.35pm.
The D class inshore lifeboat David Lauder launched from Dunbar Harbour and was on scene at 10.50pm. The all-weather lifeboat John Neville Taylor launched from Torness Power Station 15 minutes later.
After assessing the situation, the D class crew advised against a beach landing or attempting any transfer by lifeboat, due to a swell of 1.5 metres and poor visibility. Once the casualty was passed to the care of the ambulance service both lifeboats were stood down.
If you see anyone in trouble in or near the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to editors
· Established in 1808, 16 years before the formation of the RNLI, Dunbar Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest in Scotland and is located on the south side of the mouth of the Firth of Forth.
· Since its formation, its volunteer crews have been honoured with 12 awards for gallantry.
· It operates two lifeboats – the Trent class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) John Neville Taylor, moored at Torness Power Station, and the D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) David Lauder, which launches from Dunbar Harbour.
· A file photo of Dunbar’s lifeboats can be viewed here.
RNLI media contacts
Douglas Wight, Dunbar RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Alexander Williams, Dunbar RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office (available 24 hours) 01202 336789 [email protected]
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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