Queensferry lifeboat crews rescue man stranded on inflatable mattress

RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat was alerted around 9.20am on Sunday when a person was reported to be stranded on an inflatable mattress east of Cramond Island in the Firth of Forth.

He fell into the water, which was around 7C, around 8am and was in the water for around 90 minutes.

Volunteers, based in South Queensferry, located him and boarded him onto a lifeboat.

A statement on social media said: “Queensferry Lifeboat was tasked by UK Coastguard to reports of a person on an inflatable mattress east of Cramond Island.

“The casualty had been reported to have fallen in the water but had managed to self-recover.

Make sure you keep up to date with news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.

“The lifeboat made best speed to the area and quickly located the casualty. The casualty had been on the water since 8am and was wet and extremely cold, with the sea temperature being around 7 degrees.”

The boat then travelled to Granton Harbour, in the north of Edinburgh, where the casualty was handed over to the Scottish Ambulance Service, SORT and South Queensferry Coastguard Rescue Team.

‘It was lucky we got there when we did’

Volunteer helm Stewart Atkinson said: "It was lucky that we got there when we did, as the casualty was extremely cold and was drifting further offshore, with the tide and offshore wind.

"This incident highlights that blow-up toys and airbeds are designed for pools, not the sea, where they can quickly be blown offshore.

"Always check the forecast and tide conditions, be aware that conditions inshore may seem fine, but further offshore they can be significantly worse.

"Always wear a Personal Flotation Device and make sure you are also wearing clothing suitable for the forecasted weather.

"If you get into trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."