The RNLI Kessock charity lifeboat was paged shortly before 5 pm by Aberdeen Coastguard on Saturday 1st August after a member of the public reported seeing an inflatable pink doughnut with two occupants that was drifting out to sea in the Moray Firth off the coast of Ardesier.
Luckily, HM Coastguard rescue helicopter callsign Rescue 948 (Stornoway) was refuelling at Dalcross when the stricken doughnut was spotted.
It is understood that the two teenagers had entered the water via a nearby golf course before they started to drift out to sea, pulled by the receding tide.
The two seafaring teenagers were airlifted by the coastguard helicopter which then landed on the shore.
The teenagers were handed over to the awaiting HM Coastguard – Highland and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Kessock’s Atlantic Class lifeboat arrived on the scene as the two teenagers were being winched up to the helicopter.
Once the teenagers were on board the aircraft, the lifeboat crew recovered the inflatable doughnut.
Volunteer Crew Member and Helm Dougie Munro said:
“Yesterday’s rescue highlights the dangers of using inflatables at the beach.
“The casualties were incredibly lucky to have been spotted by a walker on the beach who witnessed the teenagers drifting out to sea.
“The walker reacted quickly dialling 999 and the coastguard requested. A swift response by CG R948, local CG teams and Kessock lifeboat prevented what could have been a very different outcome.”
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Image credit: RNLI/Jane Hier
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