Safety warning after rescue of sailors from Tay

Rnli: Lifeboat manager describes dangers of going to sea without proper equipment

Water safety warnings have been issued following the rescue of two men who drifted dangerously out to sea in a powerless boat without life-jackets or safety equipment.

The inshore lifeboat was scrambled to save the stricken vessel, which had run out of fuel, after a member of the public raised the alarm on Friday night.

Neither of the would-be sailors had life-jackets, appropriate clothing, radios or mobile phones or lights.

Fortunately the crew, which launched from Broughty Ferry just after 6pm, were able to reach the stranded seamen in time, but warned they had become caught in the outgoing tide and could have been swept out of the Tay estuary.

Broughty Ferry lifeboat operations manager Martin Adams said: “We encourage people to go out but they must remember to respect the water.

“Motorboating is great fun to enjoy but things can go wrong. Engines can fail, the weather can turn suddenly, and accidents can happen.

“It’s important that you’re prepared, just in case.

“The water temperature on Friday was 12.8C. Cold water shock is triggered in temperatures below 15 degrees. Entering the water without any protection can be fatal.”

The RNLI reminds all users of the sea to remember the dangers.

The organisation encourages all sailors to always wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid and always have a means of calling and signalling for help.

pamalik@thecourier.co.uk

A member of the public raised the alarm which led to the rescue of two sailors on Friday evening.