Wick RNLI tasked as surfer reported to be in difficulty

Friday 23 January 2026

A surfer was reported to be in difficulty in stormy conditions at Wick Harbour.

Wick Lifeboat the Roy Barker II was paged at 10:52 to launch on Friday (23 January) after reports of a person in difficulty in the water at the river basin in Wick harbour.

H.M. Coastguard rescue team in Wick was also tasked to the scene. The lifeboat crew were just about to cast off when the report came through that the coastguard team had a hold of the casualty.

The harbour in Wick was closed at the time incident and had been closed for the last several days due to the strong South Easterly gales running into the bay. It should also be noted that the river basin is part of a commercial harbour and water sports/swimming is not permitted.

When further information was received it had been found that the person in the water was in fact attempting to surf on a surfboard and was one of a party of three people who had travelled to the area as they thought the surfing conditions were great.

The H.M Coastguard issued some safety advice to the surfer about attempting to surf in such dangerous conditions.

Wick RNLI Coxswain, Allan Lipp, praised the volunteer crew for their willingness to respond:

'Providing a round the clock 24-7 Search & Rescue service is something we train hard for, however on a day like today where there is a strong gale blowing in and from offshore and a very rough to high sea state with extremely challenging and broken water at both harbour entrances in Wick, it is as ever humbling to have had more than a full crew turn out upon the pagers going off without hesitation. Thankfully the person in the water had exited the water as the Lifeboat was preparing to Launch, however, had Wick Lifeboat Launched today not only would the risk have been astronomical, it is most likely that the lifeboat would not have been able to return to Wick due to the sea state meaning a long and tasking passage to a safe haven. I would like to thank the first informant who did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.'

Key Safety Advice & Warnings:

Avoid the Coast: Stay well back from cliff edges and promenades as strong winds can sweep people away.
Check Conditions: Check local weather and tide times to avoid being cut off.
Float to Live: If you fall into the water, tilt your head back, submerge your ears, and relax, controlling your breathing before calling for help.
Emergency Contact: If you see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.
Do Not Travel: If a Red Warning is in place, do not travel.

For the latest updates, follow the RNLI Facebook page or the Met Office website.

Scene of Wick Harbour — Conditions at Wick (taken the previous day)

Surf running into the bay — Surf running into wick bay (taken the previous day)

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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The weather's hot, but the water's cold

Wick RNLI tasked as surfer reported to be in difficulty

Key facts about the RNLI

Learn more about the RNLI

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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