A man has been airlifted to hospital after his inflatable kayak boat was blown more than a mile off the Scots coast. Aberdeen Coastguard were scrambled to the East Sands area of St Andrews at around 6.20pm on Friday, August 19.
Both of the RNLI's Broughty Ferry Lifeboats were then also called to assist the man, who had been blown even further by the Force 4 south westerly offshore breeze
When he was rescued, he was found to be extremely cold and had swallowed sea water. The decision was made to have the man lifted off of the Lifeboat by the Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 199 from Prestwick.
He was then taken to Dundee Airport and then onwards to Ninewells Hospital for treatment following the rescue incident. Meanwhile, the lifeboats were washed, refuelled and ready for service by 8.45pm that same day.
An RNLI spokesperson said: "Yet again a brilliant example of our crew, alongside other emergency services, working collaboratively to save a life. Well done also to the first informant as this incident could easily have had a not so pleasant outcome.
"All types of inflatable can be very dangerous when used in open waters and tidal rivers where they can very quickly be swept away from a beach or shore into deep, dangerous waters. Please be extremely careful when using any type of inflatable at the beach.
"If you see anyone who looks to be in difficulty or danger, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
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