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RNLI Dunbar volunteers respond to report of paddleboarder in trouble

Lifeboats News Release

Dunbar RNLI’s two lifeboats launched yesterday (Saturday) to a report of a stand-up paddleboarder in difficulty near Pease Bay.

Two orange boats

RNLI/Douglas Wight

Dunbar RNLI's two lifeboats responded to call.

HM Coastguard paged for both boats at 4.20pm after a member of the public saw what looked like a person in trouble approximately a mile offshore. Within minutes, volunteers launched the D class inshore lifeboat from Dunbar Harbour and the Trent class all-weather lifeboat from its mooring at Torness Power Station and were quickly on scene.

They were assisted by Eyemouth Coastguard team who met with the caller and established that the paddleboarder was in fact a small rowing boat with two people on board. The lifeboat crews approached the boat and confirmed they were fishing and not in any distress.

Following a check of the area and after being satisfied that no persons were in danger, the crews were stood down and returned to Torness and Dunbar, where the lifeboats were refuelled and made ready for service.

If you see anyone in danger in the water dial 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.

RNLI media contacts

Douglas Wight, Dunbar RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Tom McGuire, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland and Ireland, 00353 87 476 4436, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office (available 24 hours) 01202 336789 [email protected]

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 over 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 142,200 lives.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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