A bodyboarder who went missing in the North Sea near Fraserburgh has been rescued by a coastguard helicopter after being swept away by strong currents. The man, who has not been named, was spotted by a passing oil and gas industry helicopter that was assisting the search efforts.
Coastguard launched a major search operation
The coastguard launched a major search operation on Tuesday afternoon after receiving a report of a bodyboarder in difficulty in the sea at Fraserburgh. Police Scotland and the RNLI were also called to the scene. The coastguard helicopter, based at Inverness, was scrambled to the area and began searching for the missing person.
Oil and gas industry helicopter spotted the bodyboarder
The search was hampered by poor visibility and rough sea conditions. However, an oil and gas industry helicopter that was flying nearby offered to help and joined the search. The helicopter crew managed to spot the bodyboarder, who had drifted about two miles from the shore, and alerted the coastguard. The coastguard helicopter then located the man and winched him to safety.
Bodyboarder was hypothermic but conscious
The bodyboarder was flown to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where he was treated for hypothermia. He was conscious and able to speak to the paramedics. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening. The coastguard praised the oil and gas industry helicopter crew for their vital role in the rescue. A spokesperson said: “This was a very challenging search and rescue operation, due to the weather and the sea state. We are very grateful to the oil and gas industry helicopter for their assistance and their quick thinking. They undoubtedly saved this man’s life.”
Bodyboarding is a risky sport
Bodyboarding is a sport that involves riding a small board on the waves. It is popular among surfers and water enthusiasts, but it can also be very risky. Bodyboarders can face dangers such as strong currents, rip tides, sharks, jellyfish, and hypothermia. The coastguard advises bodyboarders to always wear a wetsuit, a leash, and a flotation device, and to check the weather and tide conditions before entering the water. They also recommend bodyboarding with a buddy and staying within sight of the shore.
