Coastguard stood down after major search operation for 'two girls' near Portobello Beach

The Coastguard has been stood down following a major search operation for “two girls in distress” near Portobello Beach on Thursday.

The alarm was raised at around 4.55pm, and a multi-agency response was deployed to the Edinburgh beach.

Two Coastguard helicopters are assisting alongside rescue teams from South Queensferry, North Berwick and Fisherrow, and lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther.

The Coastguard response was stood down at around 8.55pm after no one was found to be in distress.

A spokesperson said: “HM Coastguard coordinated the response to a report made at about 4.55pm on May 28 of two girls in difficulty in the water off Portobello beach.

“Two HM Coastguard helicopters were sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from South Queensferry, North Berwick and Fisherrow, and RNLI lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther. Police Scotland attended.

“After an extensive search, no one was found to be in distress and the HM Coastguard response was stood down at about 8.55pm, pending any new information.”