Broughty Ferry RNLI recover paddleboarders blown off course at St Andrews

At 2.50pm on Saturday 24 May, Broughty Ferry RNLI was tasked by HM Coastguard to investigate reports of two paddleboarders who had been blown off shore at West Sands, St Andrews.

Broughty Ferry RNLI's D Class inshore lifeboat (ILB), Oor Lifesaver, and Trent Class lifeboat, Elizabeth of Glamis, both launched and made best speed to the last reported location of the casualties.

There was clear visibility and after successfully locating the paddleboarders, the ILB’s volunteer crew recovered the paddleboarders, before taking them to the shore for further assistance. The all-weather Trent Class lifeboat stood by to assist, and after the paddleboarders had been recovered, both lifeboats returned to the station at 4.20pm.

A couple of days after the shout, one of the paddle boarders reached out to the volunteer crew on the station's Facebook page. The individuals thanked the volunteers for their help and for the reassuring nature of our crew.

Singled out for particular praise was one of Broughty Ferry RNLI's volunteer crew member, Annie. She was praised for her calm and reassuring demeanor. This is especially impressive as she had recently passed her Tier One Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) crew assessment. This involved an assessment of the individual's towing, seamanship, operating the VHF radio and anchoring. This shows the thoroughly impressive training that enable our crews to perform so well under pressure.

A spokesperson for Broughty Ferry RNLI says: 'Despite clear weather, this recovery goes to show how easily people can be blown off shore'. The spokesperson urged those going into the water to vigilant and praised 'the skill and hard work of the volunteer crew members' at Broughty Ferry RNLI.

Notes to editors

· There has been a lifeboat on the River Tay since 1830 and in 1862, Broughty Ferry received its first Lifeboat from the RNLI. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Broughty Ferry Lifeboat Station - RNLI Lifeboat Stations

· More information about the activity of Broughty Ferry RNLI can be found on our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/broughtyferrylifeboat/

· Pictures were taken by Pete Hay, Coxswain of Broughty Ferry RNLI.

RNLI media contacts

Andy Boyle, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07881944870, [email protected]

Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [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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