Tuesday January 13th 2026
RNLI footage where you can see the stranded man on the inflatable mattress on the left of the rescue boat (photo by RNLI).
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
At 9:18am on Sunday 11 January, the Queensferry Lifeboat team was alerted to reports of a man stranded east of Cramond Island after he attempted to reach the island on an inflatable mattress.
RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat team reported that the man had fallen into the water but had been able to self-recover and get back onto the mattress.
The RNLI lifeboat made best speed to the area after the report and quickly managed to locate the casualty. The man had been in the water since 8am and was wet and extremely cold, with sea temperatures that morning being around 7 degrees.
The RNLI volunteer crew recovered the casualty to the lifeboat, wrapping the man up for warmth where it was ‘assessed that an ambulance and rapid evacuation would be required’.
The lifeboat sped to Granton Harbour where the man was handed over to the ambulance crew and South Queensferry Coastguard Rescue Team.
Following the incident, volunteer Stewart Atkinson said: “It was lucky that we got there when we did, as the casualty was extremely cold and was drifting further offshore, with the tide and offshore wind.
“This incident highlights that blow-up toys and airbeds are designed for pools, not the sea where they can quickly be blown offshore.”
He added: “Always check the forecast and tide conditions, be aware that conditions inshore may seem fine, but further offshore they can be significantly worse.
“Always wear a Personal Flotation Device and make sure you are also wearing clothing suitable for the forecasted weather. If you get into trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
The lifeboat returned to station and was made ready for service at 11.15am with the rescue marking Queensferry Lifeboat’s fourth shout of 2026.
Watch the rescue footage below (video by RNLI).
Tweet Share on Facebook
