Dunbar, Scotland — Dunbar RNLI volunteers rescued three people who were caught in a powerful rip current at Tyninghame Beach on Saturday, May 24.

UK Coastguard alerted the lifeboat team at 2:40 p.m. after two people were seen struggling in the water. The inshore D class lifeboat David Lauder launched at 2:50 p.m.

By 3:05 p.m., three people had been pulled from the water by a local surfer. The victims needed immediate medical attention.

Dunbar’s all-weather lifeboat was also deployed but stood down when all casualties were confirmed safe on the beach.

The victims were swept out by a strong rip current. A nearby experienced surfer responded quickly and managed to get them to shore.

One casualty was airlifted to hospital by the Coastguard helicopter. Others were treated by Dunbar volunteers on site.

The Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland, and North Berwick Coastguard also assisted at the scene.

Dunbar RNLI helm Jamie Forrester stated, “This incident shows how easy a simple trip to the beach can turn serious. If it hadn’t been for the swift actions of the surfer, this could have been a very different outcome.”

The crew was stood down at 3:55 p.m. and the lifeboat was returned to Dunbar Harbour, refuelled, and prepared for its next mission.

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