Tombstoning warning after Findochty Harbour incident
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THE dangers of tombstoning were being highlighted after an incident near Findochty Harbour yesterday evening.
Just after 8pm Coastguard rescue teams from Buckie and Portsoy, RNLI Buckie Lifeboat and the Coastguard rescue helicopter, later joined by ambulance and police crews, were sent to the harbour after several 999 calls reporting a person in the water were received.
On arrival, it was found that the person was out of the water, after having been rescued by two friends who had entered the water and used two nearby life rings to help the casualty out.
According to the Coastguard, the incident was caused by tombstoning – jumping from height into the water. The casualty had jumped from a large rock, into a breaking swell and was pulled out to sea.
He was described as being "incredibly lucky" to have escaped uninjured, and while his rescuers were praised the Coastguard recommend that members of the public should not attempt rescues themselves in case they, too become casualties and have to be rescued.
Senior Coastal Operations Officer, Colin Wood, said: “Jumping from piers, cliffs and rocks is a big concern as it is extremely dangerous.
"Water depth changes with each tide so what may have been a deep pool at lunchtime may be a shallow puddle by tea time.
Objects like rocks, fishing gear, mooring lines and other under water hazards may not be visible either and can cause serious injury if you jump onto them.”
Water temperatures are also still relatively cold, which can lead to cold water shock and can make even the most experienced swimmers unable to stay afloat.
In a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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