Who was rescued by the RNLI off Cramond Island?

The RNLI Queensferry crew rescued a person who was attempting to sail to Cramond Island on an inflatable mattress.

What are the dangers of using inflatable mattresses at sea?

Inflatable mattresses and pool toys are not designed for the sea; they can quickly be blown offshore by winds and tides, leading to dangerous situations in cold waters.

What safety advice does the RNLI give for sea activities?

The RNLI advises checking forecasts and tide conditions, wearing a Personal Flotation Device, using suitable clothing, and calling 999 for the Coastguard if in trouble.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Mattress Sailor Rescued from Icy Waters

Mattress Sailor Rescued from Icy Waters

13 Jan

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Summary

Person rescued after attempting to sail on an inflatable mattress.
The rescue occurred in 7C waters off Cramond Island.
RNLI crew warn against using pool inflatables at sea.

An extraordinary rescue operation was launched by the RNLI Queensferry crew after a person attempting to sail to Cramond Island on an inflatable mattress became stranded. The emergency call came in Sunday morning, and crew members were dispatched to the Firth of Forth, finding the individual in waters as cold as 7C.

The casualty had been adrift for nearly 90 minutes and was suffering from extreme cold. Volunteer rescuers successfully brought the person to shore, where paramedics and coastguard teams took over. The RNLI highlighted the critical nature of the rescue, noting the person was drifting further offshore due to tide and wind conditions.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of using inflatable toys and airbeds, which are designed for pools, not the open sea. The RNLI advises checking forecasts, understanding tide movements, wearing personal flotation devices, and dressing appropriately for the weather. They stress that anyone in trouble at sea should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.