Anstruther RNLI launch to windsurfer attempting to cross the Firth of Forth
Both lifeboats from Anstruther were tasked by the UK Coastguard tonight (Friday 28 July) after a call was made by someone in Anstruther who spotted the windsurfer in difficulty south of the May island.
After a short search, the windsurfer was located 10 miles from Anstruther and was a further six miles from his destination - Dunbar. The decision was made to take the individual to the safety of the closer Dunbar harbour.
The volunteer crew at Dunbar launched their inshore lifeboat to assist with the entry into a narrow and blustery harbour mouth.
Anstruther's inshore lifeboat refuelled in Dunbar and made its way back across the Forth to Anstruther.
Commenting on the rescue, volunteer crew member aboard the inshore lifeboat, Shelley Watson said: 'We would like to praise the efforts of the caller who not only spotted the windsurfer in difficulty but dialled 999 and asked for the Coastguard. If you see anyone in difficulty, we ask that you too do as this person did and dial 999 and get help to the person'.
The lifeboats returned to Anstruther to be washed down, refuelled and made ready for the next call - all in time for last orders at the chip shop for those who missed their Friday evening dinner!
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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