Anstruther RNLI lifeboat launches in the early hours to casualty

A 999 call was made by a concerned member of the public in the early hours of Saturday morning (17 May) requesting assistance as a person was reported being in the water in Anstruther harbour and there was a potential risk to life.

HM Coastguard requested an immediate launch of the Anstruther RNLI lifeboat at 1:11am. The Anstruther RNLI in-shore lifeboat Akira was launched with a volunteer crew of three and arrived at the scene at 1:20am.

Despite the dark, there was good visibility with flat, calm waters, which enabled a quick assessment of the situation. Upon arrival the casualty had recovered from the water and was on the West Pier of Anstruther harbour. The volunteer crew escorted the casualty to safety and handed her over to the care of Police Scotland who were in attendance at the scene.

Michael Bruce, RNLI Coxswain for Anstruther RNLI Lifeboat, says: ‘The request for an immediate launch of the inshore lifeboat was made as there was a potential risk to life with someone being in the water, especially in the dark. If anyone sees a person in the water in distress, or where there is considered a potential risk to life, then dial 999 and report the incident to HM Coastguard. Furthermore, if you can keep eyes on the person in the water, without putting yourself at risk, this can assist the rescue services when they arrive on the scene.

The incident was concluded at 1:35am and the volunteer crew recovered the lifeboat to Anstruther RNLI lifeboat station. The lifeboat was washed and refuelled and at 1:47am, the Coastguard was notified that Akira was ready to respond to the next emergency.

ENDS

Notes to editors

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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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