Aberdeen lifeboats launched on Easter Sunday after drifting kite sparks concern
Aberdeen RNLI’s volunteer crew launched both the station’s lifeboats on Easter Sunday after a kitesurfer raised concerns about a kite seen drifting out to sea.
The alarm was raised just before midday when HM Coastguard received a call from the kitesurfer, who had spotted a kite being blown offshore and feared a person could be in difficulty in the water.
Aberdeen’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) Bon Accord and inshore lifeboat (ILB) The Buoy Woody were both tasked to launch. Weather conditions at the time included a strong offshore westerly wind, increasing the risk of anyone in the water being rapidly carried further out to sea.
A coastguard mobile team on shore kept the drifting kite in sight and provided updates, helping to vector both lifeboats to its location.
The ILB crew recovered the kite from the water and transferred it to the ALB. While the search was ongoing, HM Coastguard established that the kitesurfer had safely made it ashore in Aberdeen but had then travelled home to Peterhead before reporting the lost equipment.
With no persons in the water and the owner of the kite accounted for, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to station.
Coxswain Grant Bruce said:
‘While thankfully no one was in difficulty on this occasion, drifting equipment can often lead to a full search being launched as we have to assume someone may be in the water.
‘If you lose any water sports equipment or inflatables, it’s vital to call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard as soon as possible and give an accurate description. This can help prevent unnecessary searches and ensure our volunteer crews are available for genuine emergencies.
‘We would also urge anyone heading out on the water to be mindful of offshore winds, which can quickly carry you away from the shore. Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a personal locator beacon (PLB), which can make a significant difference by allowing emergency services to locate you quickly and accurately.’ Notes to Editor
Image 1 - Aberdeen's Bon Accord lifeboat
Photo credit: RNLI/Aberdeen
Image 2 - The kite surf was recovered safely to the ALB
Photo credit: RNLI/Aberdeen
Aberdeen lifeboat station has been operating since 1802. To learn more about the lifeboat station visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/aberdeen-lifeboat-station
Aberdeen lifeboat station operates a Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Bon Accord, and D class inshore lifeboat, Buoy Woody 85N.
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For further information, please contact:
Lesley McMullan, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Aberdeen RNLI on 07876 863233 or email [email protected]
Richard Smith, Regional Communications Manager (Scotland), on 07826 900639 or email [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, Regional Communications Lead (Scotland), on 07920 365929 or email [email protected]
RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [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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