REPORTS of a swimmer in the water and in difficulty off Cockenzie last night (Saturday) led to a large search and rescue mission involving lifeboat crews and a Coastguard helicopter scrambled from Prestwick.

At about 7pm Coastguard teams from North Berwick and Fisherrow were called to the section of coastline near the former power station site at Cockenzie.

After meeting with the original informant, a search plan was devised which included the help of lifeboat crews from Kinghorn and North Berwick as well as the  Coastguard rescue helicopter, Rescue 199, from Prestwick.

The teams conducted searches of the shoreline over a long period of time, later also being supported by members from South Queensferry Coastguard.

East Lothian Courier:

Conditions on scene at the time were calm and clear.

At about 10.50pm the Coastguard  posted an appeal for information on social media relating to the incident, saying that “an extensive search and rescue operation” was ongoing at the time.

Despite a thorough search of the area nothing was found and with no people reported missing and no items of concern found, search teams were stood down at about 11.30pm.

The search has been suspended pending further information.

All of the teams involved will now await further direction, if required, from the Coastguard operations centre.

A spokesperson for Fisherrow Coastguard said: “A special thank you to the local community who provided support and encouragement to us last night.”

A spokesperson for North Berwick Coastguard added: “Remember if you see someone or something you are concerned about on the shoreline, cliff, mud or on the sea. Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If in doubt, call!

“There is an alternative contact number for the Coastguard, 01333 450666 where you can pass information.”