Home / Disasters and Accidents / Paddleboarder Saved From Drowning After Two Miles at Sea
Paddleboarder Saved From Drowning After Two Miles at Sea
14 Apr
Summary
- Woman clung to an overturned paddleboard two miles offshore.
- RNLI lifeboat crew searched for 90 minutes in difficult conditions.
- She narrowly escaped death, thinking she would never see family again.
A woman narrowly escaped a tragic fate after being swept two miles out to sea while paddleboarding off the coast of Fife. Mandy Galloway, 45, found herself adrift in July 2023 when a sudden strong wind dragged her and her partner away from shore.
While her partner managed to return, Ms Galloway struggled against the conditions. After being knocked into the water and clinging to her upturned paddleboard for approximately 90 minutes, she experienced severe hypothermia and believed she was moments from losing consciousness and perishing.
Two RNLI lifeboats were dispatched from Anstruther. The search was challenging due to rough seas and poor visibility. Crew members utilized their local knowledge of tides and winds to extend the search area.
One crew member spotted the paddleboard, leading to Ms Galloway's rescue. Upon retrieval, she was in critical condition, suffering from extreme hypothermia and weakness. She received immediate treatment from the lifeboat crews before being transported to a hospital.
Recently, Ms Galloway had an emotional reunion with some of the RNLI volunteers who saved her life, expressing profound gratitude for their bravery and dedication. She shared her story to support the RNLI's Mayday appeal, urging public donations for the vital lifesaving services.
RNLI statistics from 2025 indicate lifeboats launched 9,058 times across the UK, saving 272 lives, with 1,172 launches in Scotland alone.
