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
RNLI volunteers launched a lifeboat to bring the two people back to safety. Two people had to be rescued by the RNLI after getting into difficulty in an inflatable kayak off the coast of North Berwick. The pair were caught in fierce offshore winds and began drifting dangerously out to sea, prompting a rescue operation by the North Berwick RNLI. Volunteers launched lifeboat SUNIJO just before 4pm on Tuesday, June 24, after receiving an emergency call. Strong south-westerly winds created a serious risk, and the kayak users were unable to paddle back to shore. Coastguard rescue teams said the speed at which they were drifting meant they would not have been able to make it back safely without help. Working alongside the North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team and tour vessels from the Scottish Seabird Centre, RNLI crews located the duo and brought them safely back to land, reports EdinburghLive. RNLI helm Fraser Fulton issued a warning about the dangers of offshore winds, which are often underestimated. He 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. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. 'We advise against using any inflatable, not powered by an engine, on the sea during offshore winds. Unfortunately in North Berwick, with the prevailing south-westerly winds, that is the majority of the time.' He added that offshore winds account for many of the RNLI's call-outs, including a serious incident last year involving paddleboarders. Fraser urged anyone heading out on the water to always check the forecast, wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or a VHF radio. 'In any coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard,' he said. The incident marked the crew's second call-out in as many days. On Monday morning, June 23, the RNLI were also alerted to a vessel experiencing engine trouble and drifting towards rocks but were stood down before they could launch.
Edinburgh Live
24-06-2025
- Edinburgh Live
East Lothian kayakers rescued by RNLI after strong winds drift them 'out to open sea'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Two on-board an inflatable kayak had to be rescued by the RNLI after they were caught in strong offshore winds. Volunteers from the North Berwick RNLI charity launched their lifeboat, SUNIJO, to rescue the pair who had fallen victim to fierce rear gale force winds. The call for assistance was made on Tuesday June 24 at 3.50pm. The kayak duo were in danger of drifting out to open sea. The Coastguard Rescue Team members estimated the rate of drift meant the casualties would not have been able to paddle back to land. Guided by members of the 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. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. 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.' Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox '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.' This was the second call out in two days as the RNLI crew responded to a vessel experiencing engine difficulties and drifting onto rocks on Monday June 23 at 7.46am, but were stood down prior to launch.
The Herald Scotland
24-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Two rescued after inflatable kayak blown out to sea
Volunteers from North Berwick RNLI launched the charity's inshore lifeboat SUNIJO, to assist. 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. READ MORE: 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.'
