Major rescue operation launched after five surfers swept out to sea

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A major rescue operation was launched after five surfers were swept out to sea in Dunbar. The alarm was raised by a concerned member of the public at 2.35pm, on March 10.

The local RNLI crew was deployed to bring them to safety, with one suffering an asthma attack during the ordeal.Despite the challenging weather conditions, two surfers made it to shore on their own but three were stranded on Belhaven Bridge, which was cut off by the tide.The rescue became too risky for lifeboat volunteers with breaking waves onto the bridge and a four-metre swell, and crew from the D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) ‘David Lauder’ were forced to step back.Coastguard teams from Dunbar and North Berwick then steppd in and carried out a water rescue from the shore and an ambulance was called.Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

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If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Coastguard teams were able to rescue the remaining sufers using ropes and by 3.55pm, when the last casualty was safely ashore.ILB helm Alan Blair said: ‘The caller did the right