Man found next to dinghy in Firth of Forth dies

A 73-YEAR-old man who was rescued unconscious from the sea after he was spotted floating next to an upturned dinghy has died.
The Jimmie Cairncross lifeboat. Picture: ContributedThe Jimmie Cairncross lifeboat. Picture: Contributed
The Jimmie Cairncross lifeboat. Picture: Contributed

Queensferry RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were called out to a report of a capsized dinghy that had been sighted to the east of Hound Point oil terminal in the Firth of Forth on Friday.

Aberdeen Coastguard requested a lifeboat after receiving a 999 call from a member of the public.

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The lifeboat Jimmie Cairncross launched at 2.22pm and the vessel was quickly located.

Crews spotted a man in the water next to the dinghy and entered the water to rescue him. He was unconscious and not breathing.

He was lifted onto the lifeboat and crew members immediately started resuscitating him as the lifeboat sped back to shore.

He was transferred to the lifeboat station where CPR continued with the help of paramedics, and was then rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he later died.

The identity of the victim will not be released until next of kin have been informed.

The lifeboat crew involved in the incident were Helmsman Mike Garfitt, Tom Glasby, Craig Maison and Iwan Thomas, with shore help from Ross Mackay, Chris Still, Andrew Ventham and the Queensferry Coastguard Rescue team.

Police Scotland is appealing for anyone who saw the boat in difficulty to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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