Coastguard and RNLI called out to rescue two toys from water

The first call came at about 5pm on Friday along with Fisherrow Coastguard, Kinghorn RNLI Lifeboat, North Berwick RNLI and South Queensferry Coastguard to reports of an "inflatable water toy", potentially with people still on it, off the coast of Musselburgh.

A post on their Facebook page read: "We had recieved a report from a member of the public regarding them having lost the item, however, we are duty bound to attend and ensure all was well."

While the team was on route, a second call was made to report a capsized vessel, but it was quickly established that the two incidents were the same. 

& the view from my office today is looking out for North Berwick @NBRNLI Lifeboat returning from a shout at Longniddry looking for lilo and capsized boat. Working with @rnli_kinghorn on the scene Kinghorn finally picked up a pink flamingo with gold wings!! pic.twitter.com/k37yPrJwap

— Duncan Barbour (@DuncanBarbour) July 6, 2018

The post added: "Our colleagues from Kinghorn lifeboat located the inflatable and ensured it was disposed of to negate any further calls."

And the Coastguard was back out yesterday (Sunday) afternoon to North Berwick harbour following concerns about a group of people on paddle boards and kayaks at risk. 

The Lifeboat Launched this afternoon at 1550 after concerns were raised for kayakers in difficulty off North Berwick. The Crew Launched but the casualties made it ashore unaided. We strongly urge all water users to wear a Lifejacket or Buoyancy Aid (1/2) #RespectTheWater pic.twitter.com/8SXNR0y00Q

— North Berwick RNLI (@NBRNLI) July 8, 2018

Everyone made it safely back to land and the Coastguard, and North Berwick RNLI, stood down. 

Their third call of the weekend also came yesterday to a report of someone in the water at Portobello. 

Another Facebook post read: "The North Berwick Coastguard Rescue team were tasked to assist Fisherrow Coastguard and South Queensferry Coastguard teams to reports of an inflatable water toy, potentially with people still on it, off the coast of Portobello.

"The inflatable was quickly recovered by Kinghorn RNLI Lifeboat but there were no persons on or near the inflatable.

"A search operation was initiated to locate any possible casualties that may have come off the toy."

The Coastguard rescue Helicopter travelled from Prestwick, Ayrshire, to take part, and a search concluded nobody was in the water. 

The Facebook post added: "If you ever loose an item such as an inflatable and it blows offshore, please contact the Coastguard at the earliest opportunity to inform us.

"In a coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for Coastguard."