North Berwick RNLI launch after tick of the light causes concern

Police and Coastguard Rescue Teams initially responded to the concerns and with occasional sightings of a possible torch on board the vessel, which was confirmed not to be the owner, the lifeboat was tasked to investigate.

Under the light of the moon, and utilising powerful search lights and night vision equipment the crew conducted a thorough search of the vessels moored in the bay, the surrounding water and rocks. With nothing found, the mysterious lights were put down to reflections of shore lights in the vessel’s cabin windows, appearing to be torches as the vessel moved with the sea.

With no casualties identified, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

Helm of the Lifeboat, Matt Gibbons said: ‘On the eve of a night traditionally associated with mystery and folklore there was talk of Robert Burns’ "Spunkies" or water-kelpies when we came back ashore. However in this case, a Halloween mystery at sea proved to be a trick of the light.’

'Thankfully, there were no ghosts or ghouls to contend with – just reflections. We’d like to thank the first informant for their alertness and remind the public that in any coastal emergency they should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

Notes to Editors

• It cost £1,360 a year to train each crew member in the lifesaving skills they need to answer the call for help
• In 2025 the RNLI spent £196.9M delivering its lifesaving service.
• Across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands, RNLI lifeboat crews based out of 238 lifeboat stations helped 8,290 people and saved 272 lives as the charity’s lifeboats launched more than 9,000 times in 2025, making it the sixth-busiest year in the charity’s history. More here

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For further information, please contact:

Matthew Gibbons, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

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

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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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