Queensferry RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were called out today  to rescue 9 people including a 3 year old child who had become trapped by the incoming tide at Cramond Island.

 

Queensferry RNLI lifeboat Jimmie Cairncross was launched at 15:20 and arrived at Cramond Island six minutes later. All 9 people, who were uninjured, were taken on board the lifeboat and landed safely at Cramond harbour.

 

The Coastguard rescue team from Queensferry had also been called out and gave assistance to help the casualties on to dry land and offer safety advice. Also in attendance at Cramond harbour were several Fire engines, Ambulances and Police.

 

A Queensferry RNLI spokesman said:- ‘If anyone finds themselves trapped on Cramond Island by the incoming tide, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. The Coastguard will alert the lifeboat. Never attempt to wade or swim ashore. We advise to check the tide tables for safe crossing times before attempting to cross to Cramond Island’.

 

Phyllis Stephen
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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. I was absolutely amazed and to be honest disgusted when I eventually found out this story, in the Local News it quotes several fire engines were called out to this incident, there were 6 Fire Engines all with flashing blue lights, 2 support vehicles, blue car with flashing plus lights, police car and then a police van. I was having lunch in the Cramond Inn and saw all these vehicles rushing past the window. I thought the boats or houses must of been on fire. When we went to investigate I couldn’t believe my eyes and then to read that there was 9 people including a 3 yr old boy stuck on the island. I spoke to a couple who were on their back from the island and they said there was still people going out to the island. The walk takes approx 30mins each way. What I am really annoyed at, what if there had been a real fire and some of these services were needed to attend to other peoples safety. These services do a brilliant job, and I feel peoples stupidity to ignore the times of the tides and land them selves in this pridacament is terrible. Why would responsible parents risk their 3yr old child to be put through this.

  2. I totally understand Michele’s reaction to this event. I was one of the people rescued (together with my sister and niece) and I put my hands up and admit complete responsibility for stupidly misinterpreting the tide times that day – I thought we had more time to return, but no excuse. When we returned to the crossing and discovered it under water, the man with the small child had already made a call and told us someone would come and rescue us within the hour. I didn’t think to ask him who he called, or what he said, but we could all see the fire engines at the harbour and thought there must be a fire. Not only was I hugely embarrassed at getting into this predicament in the first place (I have walked to the island several times before), but seeing the huge number of emergency services was unbelievable. When the man asked why there were so many people, a uniformed female (not sure which service) snapped at us that they were there because of us. I was going to challenge her and say we did not need several fire engines, police, etc, at goodness knows what cost, but decided it was best to keep it low-key and not cause a scene. I am naturally contacting the RNLI to make a big donation, but will also be asking them why so many services turned up. If it’s any consolation to Michele, I would not have thought to be rescued, but would’ve gritted my teeth and sat it out ’til the tide turned, as I deserved it!

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