A RESCUE helicopter was called out to help a man who suffered a birthday to forget.

The man, who turns 50 today (Thursday), slipped and broke his ankle yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) while near Cove Harbour.

A helicopter was called out alongside Dunbar’s RNLI inshore (ILB) and all-weather (ALB) lifeboats, as well as coastguard teams from Dunbar, North Berwick, Eyemouth and Berwick.

The call came in at 12.40pm, with crews told to head to the harbour, which is not accessible by road.

A spokesman for Dunbar RNLI told the Courier that the man was left stricken by the water’s edge, at the foot of the cliffs, after his fall.

It is thought he slipped while visiting the cove.

The Coastguard teams were tasked to find the best way to transport the casualty to medics, who were unable to get to the harbour.

The spokesman added: “Both lifeboats faced a force four wind and waves of over two metres and were on scene 40 minutes later.

“By then, the man was being tended to by the coastguards and the RNLI volunteers assisted by providing pain relief and oxygen.

“The man, from Methil in Fife, who turns 50 on Thursday, had been holidaying in the area and was visiting the picturesque harbour when the accident happened.

“Once it was established that the safest way to transport the man to paramedics was by air, a harness was fitted and the man was airlifted to the top of the cliffs.”

Gary Fairbairn, Dunbar coxswain, said they were happy to assist and be on standby if needed.

He added: “Given the conditions and the fact the UK coastguard was able to attend, it made sense to airlift the casualty.”

Both boats were stood down at 2.15pm.