The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Vigilant public praised in Tay double drama
Broughty Ferry lifeboat station, one of Scotland’s busiest, responded to two call-outs simultaneously
Alert members of the public have been praised by Broughty Ferry RNLI chiefs after a double drama in the River Tay.
In the latest incidents during a hectic spell for the local crews, both Ferry lifeboats were launched to attend separate incidents at the same time.
The operations saw two stricken jet-skiers plucked from the water after they fell from their machine, and a good outcome to a well-intended false alarm call over concern for a windsurfer further up river.
Broughty Ferry is regularly one of Scotland’s busiest lifeboat stations on an annual basis, and despite pandemic restrictions the local volunteers have responded to a number of incidents throughout lockdown.
The latest drama unfolded around 7.30pm on Thursday after the coastguard received calls for the separate incidents and the first Ferry crew out manned the inshore lifeboat, Oor Lifesaver, heading east towards Broughty beach near the castle.
It was responding to reports of two jetskiers who had come off their machine and were unable to get back on.
Quickly on the scene, the volunteer crew found the pair distressed and clinging to the craft.
Both were rescued from the water before making the short trip back to the lifeboat station where the crew treated them for cold exposure.
An ambulance crew assessed both casualties who were found to be in good health and not requiring any medical attention.
The inshore lifeboat then recovered the jet ski and returned it to Broughty harbour.
At the same time, the all-weather lifeboat, Elizabeth of Glamis, headed west towards the area in front of the Royal Tay Yacht Club where reports had been called in for a windsurfer in trouble.
Following a thorough search of the area by the lifeboat crew, no windsurfers were found.
The coastguard crew on shore confirmed they had talked to windsurfers who had been in that vicinity and who were all well.
The all-weather lifeboat then made towards the waters off Broughty beach to standby in case the inshore lifeboat required assistance.
Colin Davidson of Broughty Ferry RNLI said: “Thankfully due to the vigilance of the public and the jet-skiers wearing personal flotation devices there was a good outcome.
“The events highlighted the versatility of Broughty Ferry RNLI to respond to separate incidents simultaneously.
“Whereas this is not an everyday event, the potential is there every day.
“Only the kindness and support shown by the public with continued fundraising and donations to Broughty RNLI ensures that they will always be there when it counts.”