Queensferry RNLI rescue injured walker from Cramond Island

The lifeboat, with four volunteer crew members on board, launched into freezing darkness and made safe speed to the island.

On arrival, two crew members made their way onto the island and located the casualty up a slight hill at the south side of the island.

The casualty, not wanting to inconvenience anyone, had attempted to get themselves back to shore. As a regular visitor to Cramond Island they were experienced with checking the tide times and getting back to shore before the island cut off.

However, due to their injury their progress was slowed and as a result the causeway had started to flood with water. They made an initial attempt to cross but got thigh deep in water and decided it was safer to turn back and call for help.

The casualty was assessed to have a very painful foot injury after their foot got caught between two rocks. They were given pain relief while plans were made to extract them from the island.

The lifeboat collected two UK Coastguard personnel and two Scottish Ambulance Service SORT paramedics from Cramond Village and transported them out to the island to assist with moving the casualty.

The casualty's condition was beginning to worsen with the effects of the freezing cold temperatures and having been in the water. They were wrapped up to increase their body temperature and transferred to a basket stretcher for safe removal.

The six personnel from the three emergency services carried the stretchered casualty down hill to the waiting lifeboat and placed the stretcher on board. They were then transported to Cramond Village and transferred into the care of the waiting Scottish Ambulance Service.

The lifeboat then made way back to the island to pick up the remaining crew members and UK Coastguard team member who'd had to remain behind while the casualty was transported from the island.

Callum Calder, Queensferry Lifeboat Helm, said; ‘This incident serves as a reminder that even those with plenty experience can get caught out when around the coast or in water. They did the right thing calling for help when they did rather than risk putting themselves in a more dangerous position. It was also a great example of multi agency working and brilliant teamwork.

The lifeboat and volunteer crew returned to Hawes Pier where they recovered the lifeboat, refuelled and washed it down making it ready for next service around 2:00am.

After a long, cold shout the volunteers made their way home to warm up and get to bed. Some of the same crew members were back out on the lifeboat for training on Saturday afternoon.

We would like to remind everyone that if they find themselves or anyone else in difficulty or danger in or around our waters to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Don't be afraid to call for help, it's what we are here for, what we train for and are prepared for. We would rather be called out than find you in even more danger or a life threatening situation.

ENDS

Notes to editors

· The RNLI is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

· The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

· Queensferry RNLI is based at Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, EH30 9TB. The lifeboat station was founded in 1967 and houses an inshore Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat Jimmie Cairncross.

· In 2022 Queensferry lifeboat launched 64 times and saved two lives.

· To learn more about the lifeboat station visit; https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/queensferry-lifeboat-station

Photo Credits

Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat Jimmie Cairncross recovered, refuelled and washed ready for service. Credit; RNLI/Queensferry RNLI

RNLI media contacts

Adele Allan, Lifeboat Press Officer, Queensferry Lifeboat Station, [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, 01202 336789

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.