Aberdeen Lifeboats launch to reports of two people in water
Both Aberdeen Lifeboats were paged shortly before 1am this morning, Friday 19 April, to reports of two females in difficulty in the sea off Aberdeen Beach esplanade.
Within minutes, the inshore lifeboat (ILB) with its volunteer crew of three was launched and was shortly followed by the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) Bon Accord.
Arriving on scene, the volunteer inshore lifeboat crew quickly found and recovered the two female casualties from the water, beginning casualty care even as they were transferred to the all-weather lifeboat which affords greater space for treating casualties.
The volunteer crew aboard the all-weather lifeboat, Bon Accord, made best speed back to her berth where the two casualties were handed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service for transfer to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Sadly, Police Scotland later announced that the attempts by all agencies to revive the casualties had been unsuccessful.
Davie Orr, Coxswain of Aberdeen Lifeboat, says: “This has been a terrible tragedy for the families of the people involved and the thoughts of our crew are with them in their time of loss.”
Bill Deans, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Aberdeen Lifeboat Station, added: “The public should note that although the weather is warming up, the sea temperature is still very cold. If people go into the sea, in whatever circumstances, cold water shock will quickly take effect. If you see someone in difficulty in the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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