Queensferry RNLI responds to multiple injured casualties on Cramond Island

At 4.29pm on Saturday 29 August, Queensferry Lifeboat volunteers were tasked by HM Coastguard to reports of a female cut off by the tide on Cramond Island with an ankle injury.

The lifeboat arrived on scene and two crew members were put ashore to locate the casualty. With a music event happening on the Island at the same time and crowds of people attending, this proved challenging. However, after some communication with the lifeboat surveying the scene from the water, the casualty was located on a rocky slope on the north of the island.

The casualty was in a lot of pain and after a first aid assessment it was found that she was suffering from a suspected lower leg fracture. The crew on scene administered pain relief and reassured the casualty. Whilst first aid was ongoing, the lifeboat transported three members of CRT to the island to assist with extraction due to the difficult location.

As plans were being made for evacuation, reports of a further casualty, also on the Island, came through who was reportedly unconscious but breathing. The lifeboat crew made sure the first casualty was stable and comfortable, before heading to deal with the further casualty. Again, due to the number of people on the island locating the second casualty proved tricky.

However, once located, our volunteers undertook a casualty assessment. Thankfully, the casualty came around after administering some oxygen and was then able to talk to the crew. It was determined that the best course of action was to evacuate her to Cramond Village to an awaiting ambulance.

Following evacuation of the second casualty and whilst at Cramond Village, the lifeboat picked up SORT paramedics and transported them to Cramond Island. SORT along with two lifeboat crew were again placed ashore to deal with the initial casualty.

Due to the difficult location, it was assessed that the best evacuation option was by helicopter. Whilst waiting for the helicopter, SORT and lifeboat crew dealt with a further casualty with a head injury. Following a casualty assessment, it was determined that they did not require any further medical assistance.

Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 199 evacuated the casualty with the leg injury to an awaiting ambulance at Cramond Village. As members were leaving the scene, a further casualty presented themselves. They had reportedly fallen from height and were complaining of lower back pain. This casualty was assessed by SORT and was advised to attend A&E when possible.

Once all casualties had been assessed and treated where necessary, Queensferry Lifeboat and all other assets were stood down. The volunteer crew returned to station at approximately 8pm.

Following the incident, volunteer ILB Helm Petra Surplus said: ‘This was a challenging and rapidly evolving incident. However, this was a great example of a multi-agency tasking where lifeboat crew, coastguard, SORT, ambulance, police and coastguard helicopter teams worked together for a successful outcome.’

She goes on to say: ‘We would like to extend our thanks to all those involved, including the members of the public who assisted on the Island.’

Notes to editors

• Across all incidents in 2025, Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat Station launched 101 times, saving 4 lives and aiding 119 people caught in difficulty in the water

• Queensferry RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 1967