By John Kinsman, operations manager at Coastwatch St Monans, east Fife
Two people and dog rescued
Two people and a dog rescued were rescued from a stricken speedboat after it was found located off the Angus coast. Crews from Broughty Ferry lifeboat station were called into action after reports that a speed boat had broken down on the St Andrews side of Tentsmuir beach.
The lifeboats launched and the vessel was found further north than its first reported location. The crew started the search at the mouth of the river Eden and worked towards St Andrews. Further reports came in of the boat in a different location from the one initially reported. The crew was then tasked to head north towards Barry Buddon.
The all-weather lifeboat was then launched to assist and made for the new location. The stricken speedboat was eventually located by lifeboat crews three miles from its initial reported location and at the mercy of the tide.
It was then secured by inshore lifeboat crew for the journey back to Broughty Ferry. The crew of the speedboat and their dog arrived safely back on shore some three hours after their ordeal started.
Paddleboader
Coastwatch St Monans were paged by HM coastguards to a paddle-boarder in difficulty off Shell bay near Elie. The team assembled and made their way to the location near Shell bay caravan site. On arrival on scene the team started to scan the seas and quickly located the paddle boarder sitting on rocks before making his way back to shore swimming while holding on to his board.
The team kept watch up until the paddle boarder reached the beach where the team checked over. He was then seen by an ambulance crew and given the all clear. Coastwatch St Monans team were John Kinsman operations manager, Anne Kinsman, deputy manager and John McLean, Karen Dobson, Ian Duncan, Bob MacDonald and Beth McLean.
‘Baby’ in harbour
A lifeboat crew was scrambled after reports of a baby being spotted in the water. Volunteers were called to the harbour at Broughty Ferry area after reports from members of the public. But they were relieved to discover the call was a false alarm with a babygrow found floating in the water. A spokesman for Broughty Ferry lifeboat said it was a false alarm but it was made with good intent.
He said: “We received the emergency call out reporting a baby floating face down in Broughty Ferry harbour. When crews arrived they discovered a babygrow floating all spread out in the water. The call out caused great concern among the crew. Everyone was very relieved to discover the baby clothing instead. This call was made out of genuine concern and the crew was happy to attend. We are just delighted that we were able to get to the scene so quickly.”
Whale washed up
A dead minke whale calf was found washed up on rocks on the Fife coast near to Cellerdyke. The young mammal around 8 feet long, was spotted by walkers on the coastal path about a mile from the Fife town. It is thought the whale was deposited on rocks, however the cause of death is unknown. Claire Grainger from Dundee discovered the beached whale while out walking.
Claire said, “It was around 8 feet long and clearly only very young as it did not have any teeth. I am almost certain it had not been there long and probably washed up the previous tide as there was no smell or decay. I took some photos and immediately alerted Coastwatch St Monans as I had seen their vehicle in the area earlier.
John kinsman operations manager of Coastwatch St Monans whose volunteers support HM Coastguards said they were alerted to the whale discovery and a full team from their base in St Monans went to the scene. After checking the whale the team reported it to local authorities for them to arrange removal. Aberdeen coastguard operations room were notified of the outcome and the team returned to base. A full team of nine attended the call out.
Coastwatch ready for event
Coastwatch St Monans are gearing up to take part in the St Monans Sea Queen day on Saturday July 15th.
The event which first began in 1946 attracts hundreds of locals and visitors. The event is held at the harbour and local green and involves the arrival of the sea queen by boat, music, dancing, displays by fire service, stalls, face painting, plus much more.
Coastwatch St Monans will have a stall giving sea safety advice, selling raffle tickets and handing out books on safety for children on beaches, cliffs and harbours. Also in attendance will be Coastwatch St Monans station patron Mr Chris Chittle who plays Eric Pollard in Emmerdale.
Featured image shows the old St Monans windmill, now the Coastwatch station.