Dunbar RNLI volunteers called out to help search for missing person
Dunbar lifeboat launched last night (Wednesday 27 December) to help search for an elderly woman reported missing in Fisherrow near Musselburgh.
The all-weather lifeboat (ALB) launched from Torness Power Station at 7pm and was on scene just over an hour later.
The RNLI volunteers carried out an extensive shoreline search of the area and were stood down by HM Coastguard at 10.50pm. The woman was later found safe and well.
Coxswain Gary Fairbairn said: ‘Due to high winds and swell, the coastguard did not want to risk launching smaller inshore lifeboats that are situated closer to Fisherrow and instead tasked Dunbar. We were happy to launch and conducted a thorough search of the area and along at Portobello. We were pleased to hear the person in question was located safe and well.’
The ALB returned to Torness and was refuelled and ready for its next service at 12.45am.
If you see something suspicious on or near the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to editors
Established in 1808, 16 years before the formation of the RNLI, Dunbar Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest in Scotland and is located on the south side of the mouth of the Firth of Forth. Since its formation, its volunteer crews have been honoured with 12 awards for gallantry.
It operates two lifeboats – the Trent class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) John Neville Taylor, moored at Torness Power Station, and the D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) David Lauder, which launches from Dunbar Harbour.
RNLI media contacts
Douglas Wight, Dunbar RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office (available 24hrs), 01202 336789. [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.
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