North Berwick RNLI rescue capsized kayaker

Members of the public had called the coastguard after spotting a capsized sea kayak in the vicinity of Fidra Island, 2 nautical miles to the west of North Berwick. With a south westerly wind and an ebbing tide the casualty, who was holding onto the hull of the kayak, was being taken offshore by the elements.

Volunteer crew members left the town centre celebrations for North Berwick Pipe Band’s 125^th Anniversary, weaving through the crowd on foot and bike to launch the lifeboat. Once on the water the lifeboat was on scene within 7 minutes and were directed to the location of the casualty by the Operatives at Aberdeen Coastguard Rescue Coordination Centre.

Matthew Gibbons, volunteer helm at North Berwick said “With the glare of the low sun, and the size of the waves the casualty was hard to spot, They had also drifted about half a nautical mile from the first reported position.”

“Despite being a little tired from grappling with the slippery kayak for at least half an hour, the casualty was fit and well. We thank the members of the public who called 999 for the Coastguard straight away, which enable a swift and successful outcome for the casualty.”

“If you’re heading out on the water, even the most experienced of us can get caught out by the conditions. Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, carry a waterproofed means of calling for help and tell someone ashore of your plans. If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, try not to panic, but float on your back to conserve energy.”

The casualty was checked over before being landed ashore at Yellowcraig Beach and handed into the care of North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team and awaiting family.

Notes to editors

• In 2024 RNLI lifeboats from 238 stations across the UK and RoI launched 9,141 times saving 437 lives (alongside RNLI lifeguards), North Berwick launched 28 times, saving 7 lives.
• It cost £1,360 a year to train each crew member in the lifesaving skills they need to answer the call for help
• 97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers including over 5,700 lifeboat crew members.
• In 2024 it cost the RNLI £190M to run its charitable lifesaving service, 6 in 10 of the lifeboat launches were funded by generous supporters leaving the RNLI a gift in their will.

RNLI media contacts

Matthew Gibbons, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, North Berwick, [email protected]
Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
24 hour RNLI Central Press Office, 01202 336789 or email [email protected]

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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.