Rowers rescued after boat capsizes

Five young rowers have been rescued after their boat capsized on a river. The alarm was raised at around 2.50pm on Saturday after the boat overturned on the River Dee, the coastguard said.

The five girls managed to climb on top of the boat and were rescued by the pilot boat from Aberdeen Harbour which went to the scene.

Aberdeen RNLI lifeboat and coastguard rescue team and an offshore industry rescue helicopter also went to help.

The pilot boat took the rowers to the lifeboat boathouse where they were checked over by the paramedic from the helicopter and ambulance crew.

They were all found to be well.

Cal Reed, helm of Aberdeen inshore lifeboat during the operation, said: The girls did well to remain calm and remember their safety drills - staying with their boat, using it for buoyancy and to keep them out of the water.

A full array of rescue assets were quickly on scene, but particularly well done to the crew of the pilot cutter for effecting the rescue so quickly. It was a positive outcome for all involved and the lifeboat crew were pleased to be able to assist.''

Once the girls had been rescued the inshore lifeboat recovered the rowing boat, which had drifted down through the harbour, and returned it to the rowing club.