Early on Sunday morning the RNLI crew from South Queensferry were called out to Cramond Island following reports of someone on an inflatable mattress who was in difficulty.
The person had managed to get themselves back on board the mattress after falling in the water, but they had been on the water since around 8am and were “wet and extremely cold”. The lifeboat crew on the Jimmie Cairncross recovered the person around 9.30am, and wrapped them up to keep them warm. The crew assessed that the person required rapid evacuation for medical care.
The lifeboat came ashore at Granton Harbour and handed over the casualty to the Scottish Ambulance Service crew who were waiting. The South Queensferry Coastguard Rescue Team and SORT were also on hand.
Following the shout, volunteer helm Stewart Atkinson said: “It was lucky that we got there when we did, as the casualty was extremely cold and was drifting further offshore, with the tide and offshore wind.
“This incident highlights that blow-up toys and airbeds are designed for pools, not the sea where they can quickly be blown offshore.”
He added: “Always check the forecast and tide conditions, be aware that conditions inshore may seem fine, but further offshore they can be significantly worse.
“Always wear a Personal Flotation Device and make sure you are also wearing clothing suitable for the forecasted weather. If you get into trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
The lifeboat returned to station and was made ready for service at 11.15am. This was Queensferry Lifeboat’s fourth shout of 2026.
