Children blown out to sea on paddleboard in Gullane Bay prompting RNLI rescue mission

Sibling lifeboat volunteers were sent out on their first rescue mission side-by-side following an emergency involving two children in East Lothian.

North Berwick RNLI dispatched a volunteer crew on Sunday after reports that two children had been blown out to sea on a paddleboard in Gullane Bay.

An “immediate launch” was ordered involving a rapid response from crew members including siblings Steven and Vikki Selby arriving first at the lifeboat station.

Joined by helm Fraser Fulton they launched the relief inshore lifeboat Robleen within minutes.

Sunday 12 May saw the Selby siblings side by side on a call out for the first time as the RNLI’s volunteers were launched to people in the water at Gullane bay. Supplied

The crew made their way to Gullane, five nautical miles to the west of the station, but were stood down on arrival as the casualties were safely back on shore.

The casualties were checked over by members of the North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team.

Mr Selby has been in the crew for ten years with his sister, Vikki, graduating to the boat crew from shore crew last year.

The pair grew up taking part in water sports with their parents, with the incident marking the first time the siblings had been sent on a service call together.

Ms Selby said that going out on the call with her brother didn’t feel that different from usual calls but added that she felt “secure” having Steven and Fraser there.

“With their experience I knew I’d be guided well,” she said.

Mr Selby added: “I wasn’t sure what it’d be like launching on a call out with Vikki, fortunately, the high level of training from the RNLI meant that we both knew our roles and what to expect.”

“Information came through on route to the scene so our plan was constantly developing on the boat to make sure we were ready for whatever we were going to, working as a team to ensure the best outcome for the casualties.”

Ms Selby encouraged the public to get behind the “important” work the RNLI does adding that if they see anyone in difficulty they should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

“The RNLI is funded by charitable contributions, if you want to support North Berwick Lifeboat our summer coffee morning is 10-12 at the Hoperooms in North Berwick on Saturday 18 May come join us,” she said.

Ms Selby is a musical theatre performer and currently boat manager at the Scottish Seabird Centre with her brother working as a Skippter on the tour boats.