Lifeboat crews rescue man stranded on inflatable mattress off coast of Edinburgh
Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat was alerted to the emergency east of Cramond Island in the Firth of Forth on Sunday morning.
Monday 12 January 2026 17:27, UK
Lifeboat crews were called to rescue a man stranded on an inflatable mattress off the coast of Edinburgh.
Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat was alerted to the emergency east of Cramond Island in the Firth of Forth at 9.18am on Sunday.
The fully clothed man had fallen into the water, which had a temperature of about 7C, but had managed to get back aboard the air mattress.
The RNLI said the man had been on the water since 8am and was "wet and extremely cold".
The volunteer rescue team located the casualty and recovered him on to the lifeboat.
The man was wrapped up for warmth, and it was assessed that an ambulance and rapid evacuation would be required.
The lifeboat sped to Granton Harbour, north Edinburgh, where the man was handed over to the Scottish Ambulance Service and its special operations response team (SORT) and South Queensferry Coastguard Rescue Team.
Volunteer helm 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."
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Mr Atkinson urged anyone heading out into the water to check the forecast and tide conditions.
He added: "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 incident marked Queensferry Lifeboat's fourth shout of 2026.