A GROUP of paddleboarders have been rescued after they drifted off the Aberdeenshire coast.
RNLI crews were called to the scene shortly after 8pm on Tuesday after receiving reports of four paddleboarders who had drifted out to sea in strong winds off Catterline Harbour in Stonehaven.
The Stonehaven RNLI volunteer crew launched a lifeboat at 8.15pm on Tuesday. They found the first paddleboarder before making their way towards the three remaining paddleboarders who had drifted further out to sea.
The lifeboat was able to locate all four paddleboarders and transferred them onto the lifeboat for initial casualty care.
They were then taken to Catterline Harbour where they were handed over to the care of HM Coastguard and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The HM Coastguard also called on the Montrose RNLI crew to support the rescue.
These volunteers were stood down at 9.34pm after they located a missing paddleboard to prevent any further call outs.
Kenny Jones, volunteer helm at Stonehaven RNLI, said: "Thankfully the casualties had their mobile phones with them and knew to call the coastguard when they got into difficulties.
"The weather conditions off our coast can change really quickly and what starts as an adventure can quickly go wrong. It is so important that people have the equipment and knowledge they need.
"Life jackets, mobile phones, VHF radios and bright clothing are simple things people can buy to help their safety but knowledge of the tides, weather forecasts, local conditions and experience are crucial when planning a trip to enjoy our beautiful coastline.
"If anyone sees someone in difficulty on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."
