Fisherman dies in hospital after water rescue off East Lothian coast
A major search was launched on Sunday evening
Last updated 3rd May 2021
A fisherman has died in hospital after being rescued from the water off the East Lothian coast.
A search was launched for the 64-year-old around 4.30pm on Sunday after an empty creel boat was found a mile north-east of Torness.
A Coastguard search and rescue helicopter, two lifeboats from Dunbar, one from St Abbs and local fishing vessels were involved in the rescue operation.
A Coastguard spokesman said the helicopter crew winched the man from the water at around 5.50pm and attempted to resuscitate him as they flew to hospital.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Around 6.05pm on Sunday, 2 May, 2021, police were called to a report of a man having fallen into the sea from a fishing vessel near Torness.
"Emergency services attended and a 64-year-old man was recovered from the sea.
"He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was pronounced dead.
"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
The Dunbar all-weather lifeboat crew recovered the boat and towed it to the town's harbour.
A Dunbar Lifeboat spokesman said: "Our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the person involved.
"We would also like to thank the fishing vessels who helped enormously with the search operation."