Lifeboat flies to rescue of stranded birdwatchers

A LIFEBOAT was dispatched to rescue eleven ornithologists who had become stranded on an island in the Firth of Forth.

The tourists arrived safely on Fidra Island yesterday morning, where they planned on spending the day painting birds.

But their boat, The Braveheart, then ran aground on rocks off the coast in high winds and a heavy swell after its captain had dropped the bird enthusiasts off. The North Berwick lifeboat was then dispatched and a crew member helped the captain of The Braveheart get the boat back to shore.

The lifeboat then returned to ferry the ornithologists back to the mainland.

The Forth Coastguard was called to the scene at 11.37am and the rescue was completed within two hours.

Chris Bolam, watch officer, said: “It looks like their day was curtailed somewhat.”