A volunteer lifeboat crew saved a lost rower at sea.
After a 38-year old man fell ill, the Coastguard was called to respond at 14:45 on Friday.
He was part of a crew of two on a training trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews. They had intended to reach Dunbar, but the rower became more serious and needed assistance.
The RNLI’s all-weather and inshore lifeboats were used.
The ocean rowers set off on Thursday night at 21:30, but one had already fallen ill by 03:30.
He was ill and was drifting out of consciousness.
The rowers, who were aboard the ocean vessel of state-of-the art, arrived at North Berwick on Friday. However, they realized that they couldn’t continue.
It took seven minutes for the inland lifeboat to reach the boat, which was about a mile north from Dunbar Harbour.
One crew volunteer went aboard to evaluate the rower. He was able speak, but clearly was unwell.
The man was rescued by a lifeboat, which was carrying him to the all-weather vessel. He was then given oxygen because of the force six wind and a 2-metre swell.
One of the lifeboat crew members stayed onboard the boat with the other rower, which was then towable to the harbour.
The casualty was being treated by paramedics from Scotland Ambulance Service.
Gary Fairbairn, Dunbar lifeboat coxswain, said that although it was possible to perform a difficult operation in challenging conditions, he and his crew were able utilise all resources and brought the vessel and casualty safely to shore.
“Thanks to all the volunteers for their excellent work.”
