Dramatic Early Morning Rescue Off Edinburgh Coast
Emergency services executed a dramatic rescue on Sunday morning after a man attempting to reach a famous tidal island using an inflatable mattress got into serious difficulty. The individual, who was not wearing any protective gear like a wetsuit or life jacket, ended up in the frigid waters of the Firth of Forth.
The ill-fated journey began around 8am when the man set off from the shore near Edinburgh. His goal was Cramond Island, a popular destination located roughly a mile offshore. However, his unconventional mode of transport – a pool airbed – was no match for the sea conditions.
Cold and Drifting: The Perilous Situation
After falling into the water, the casualty managed to scramble back onto the inflatable mattress but was left at the mercy of the currents, drifting further away from land. In a fortunate move, he was able to use his phone to call 999 and alert the coastguard.
A rescue crew from the RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat station was immediately dispatched. They located the man, who was by then clinging to the mattress, and quickly brought him aboard their vessel. Rescuers noted he was dressed only in normal everyday clothing, utterly unequipped for the extremely cold sea temperature.
Once on the lifeboat, he was wrapped in blankets to treat the onset of hypothermia before being taken ashore. A waiting ambulance then transferred him for further medical assessment.
RNLI Issues Stern Warning on Inflatable Dangers
Speaking to BBC Scotland News, RNLI representative Stewart Atkinson emphasised the peril of the situation. "It was lucky that we got there when we did, as the casualty was extremely cold and was drifting further offshore," he stated.
Atkinson used the incident to issue a crucial public safety reminder. "This incident highlights that blow-up toys and airbeds are designed for pools, not the sea where they can quickly be blown offshore." The RNLI regularly warns that such items are not suitable for open water, as even light winds can carry them far from the beach rapidly.
Cramond Island is connected to the mainland by a causeway, which is only safely accessible for a few hours during low tide. The island holds historical significance, featuring remains of Second World War defences built to protect the nearby Forth Bridge from aerial attack. These ruins now attract walkers and history enthusiasts, but visitors are strongly advised to consult tide timetables and cross only at the appropriate times.
