Two rescued after inflatable kayak blown out to sea
Guided by members of North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team, and tour vessels from the Scottish Seabird Centre, the crew were able to quickly locate and assist the two casualties, bringing them safely ashore.
This was the second call out in two days after the crew responded to a vessel experiencing engine difficulties and drifting onto rocks on Monday morning.
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Helm Fraser Fulton said: 'Offshore winds are seen as a 'hidden' danger at the coast. It may seem sheltered right inshore, but further out to sea the conditions are significantly different, with large waves and stronger winds that can be difficult to paddle against.
'We advise against using any inflatable, not powered by an engine, on the sea during offshore winds. Unfortunately in North Berwick, with the prevailing SW'ly winds, that is the majority of the time. Indeed a large proportion of callouts for ourselves here in North Berwick are due to offshore winds, including a very serious incident last year involving stand up paddleboards.
'Always check the forecast, if it is an offshore wind, don't go out. If you are heading onto the water, no matter the conditions, wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, or a handheld VHF radio. In any coastal emergency, dial 999 for the Coastguard.'
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Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Daily Record
Kayakers rescued after being swept out to sea in North Berwick by strong winds
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