A rescue mission was launched after two kayakers were spotted ‘in difficulty’ off the east coast of Scotland amid a high winds weather warning.
The alarm was raised shortly after 11.45am after the duo began to struggle near Cockenzie, East Lothian on on Sunday, November 7.
A volunteer crew from RNLI Kinghorn raced to the scene and discovered two people had made it safely ashore but one of their kayaks had blown away.
It was later recovered off rocks in Port Seton.
Further enquiries were carried out after it was discovered that a further two people had been paddling in the sea before continuing on to Longniddry.
The lifeboat crew soon found they had also safely made it to dry land and returned the wayward kayak to its owners.
A statement from RNLI Kinghorn said: “Our team was back in action today at 1147 following a report of two kayakers in difficulty off Cockenzie.
“The volunteer crew was soon underway, arriving on scene at 1212. Just prior to arrival it was confirmed that the two had made it ashore but one kayak was still drifting eastwards.
“Whilst personnel from North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team and Dunbar Coastguard attended to the paddlers, we tried to recover the kayak.
“At this point it became apparent that two other members of the group had continued to Longniddry and their welfare was unknown. The lifeboat was tasked to check up on them but it was soon confirmed that they were safely ashore.
“We then returned to locate the kayak which by now had drifted east of Port Seton onto rocks.
“A crew member went ashore to assist coastguard personnel recover the delicate kayak which had sustained damage and had filled with water.
“It was successfully emptied and taken to the harbour for collection.”
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