False alarm launch for Buckie RNLI lifeboat

BUCKIE'S RNLI lifeboat was launched yesterday (Sunday, July 30) after a paddleboarder was reported overdue.

The Willaim Blannin and her volunteer crew were launched at 3pm after the paddleboarder had become separated from his group at Sandend.

Arriving on scene at 3.20pm, the crew were informed that a shore-based Coastguard Rescue Team had just that minute made contact with the paddleboarder who was well and not in need of assistance – a false alarm with good intent.

The lifeboat was stood down and returned to base.

The callout gave crewmember Steven Wales his first ‘shout’ – just 18 hours after being handed his pager as ‘substantive crew’ upon completion of his training.

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