In pictures: Major search and rescue operation for two girls at Portobello

Emergency services descended on the Portobello coastline this Thursday evening following alarming reports of two girls in difficulty in the water.

A major multi-agency response has transformed Portobello’s promenade into a hive of emergency activity. HM Coastguard, Police Scotland, and ambulance crews rushed to the scene around 5:00 pm, launching a coordinated land, sea, and air search operation.

After an extensive search, nobody was found. The search and rescue was stood down at around 8:55pm.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard coordinated the response to a report made at about 4.55pm on 28 May of two girls in difficulty in the water off Portobello beach.

“Two HM Coastguard helicopters were sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from South Queensferry, North Berwick and Fisherrow, and RNLI lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther. Police Scotland attended.

“After an extensive search, no one was found to be in distress and the HM Coastguard response was stood down at about 8.55pm, pending any new information.”