‘False call’ after inflatables blown out to sea at east coast beach

Multiple coastguard teams have been sent to an east coast beach following a “false call with good intent” when inflatables were blown out to sea with concerns that people were possibly in the water. member of the public called HM Coastgaurd at 3pm due to concerns that inflatables were blown out to sea from Portobello Beach with people potentially in the water as a result.

One witness said the inflatables, including lilos and rubber rings,wereblownouttoseaasa result of offshore winds.

However, it is understood that it was a ‘false call with good intent’ as there was no one in the water.

Coastguard rescue teams from Fraserburgh, North Berwick and South Queensferry alongside RNLI lifeboats from Kinghorn and the search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick were sent to the incident.

The Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland were also in attendance.

It is understood that no one has been reported missing and a full search is being conducta ed to ensure no one is in distress. Inquiries are ongoing.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: "At approx. 3pm today [July 14], HM Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public concerned about an inflatable blown out to sea, with people possibly in the water.

"Coastguard teams from Fraserburgh, North Berwick and South Queensferry alongside the RNLI lifeboats from Kinghorn and the search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick have been sent as well as the Scottish Ambulance Service, to carry out a search.”