Stonehaven RNLI rescue four paddleboarders
On Tuesday 3 June, Stonehaven RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard following reports of four paddleboarders who had drifted out to sea in strong winds off Catterline Harbour.
Stonehaven RNLI volunteer crew launched the lifeboat at 8.15pm on Tuesday 3 June and made best speed to the last reported location of the paddleboarders.
The volunteer crew located the first paddleboarder, before making way to the three remaining paddleboarders who had drifted further out to sea.
Thankfully, the lifeboat located all four paddleboarders and transferred them onto the lifeboat for initial casualty care.
The casualties were taken to Catterline Harbour where they were handed over to the care of HM Coastguard and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Montrose RNLI's all-weather lifeboat was also tasked by HM Coastguard to support the incident at 8.18pm. They were stood down at 9.34pm after Stonehaven RNLI retrieved the casualties, and the Montrose RNLI crew located a missing paddleboard to prevent any further call outs.
Kenny Jones, volunteer helm at Stonehaven RNLI, says: ‘Thankfully the casualties had their mobile phones with them and knew to call the coastguard when they got into difficulties.
'The weather conditions off our coast can change really quickly and what starts as an adventure can quickly go wrong. It is so important that people have the equipment and knowledge they need. Life jackets, mobile phones, VHF radios and bright clothing are simple things people can buy to help their safety but knowledge of the tides, weather forecasts, local conditions and experience are crucial when planning a trip to enjoy our beautiful coastline.
'If anyone sees someone in difficulty on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.'
Notes to editors
· Stonehaven RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 2014. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Stonehaven Lifeboat Station - RNLI Lifeboat Stations
· 2025 sees the opening of the new Stonehaven RNLI lifeboat station and shop.
RNLI media contacts
Anna Carlton, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07530 338562 [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]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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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