Person rescued from North breakwater at Aberdeen Harbour

Aberdeen’s inshore lifeboat was launched last night Thursday 14 September to assist a person stranded on the north breakwater at Aberdeen Harbour.

Friends of the casualty, who had stayed on the shore side of the safety barrier, had called for assistance when they realised their colleague was stranded and distressed.

The volunteer crew of Aberdeen’s inshore lifeboat launched at 8.30pm and were on scene in a few minutes. Two crew-members were landed on the breakwater to reassure and assist the casualty. The lifeboat helmsman decided the safest means of bringing the casualty to safety was to request Scottish Fire & Rescue to bring cutting gear to get through the steel security fence.

An Aberdeen Lifeboat spokesman said: “Security fences on piers and breakwaters are there to protect the public. Because of the risk of waves washing over the structures, potentially sweeping people into the water, the public should never attempt to climb over or round these fences.”

The casualty to be brought to safety about 40 minutes after the alarm was raised. The lifeboat returned to base and was readied for further service.