Fisherrow Coastguard

23/07/2026

🔥VERY HIGH RISK OF WILDFIRE until 24th July. Please be careful! More advice 👇🔥

27/06/2026

Coastal Safety Advice.

Visiting our coastline over the summer period? Please stay safe and take the opportunity to review safety signage at prominent locations along the East Lothian Coastline. The signs provide key information to keep you safe, including . Please also consider emergency access points and keep them clear, as emergency services may rely on them.

Recent Team Activity

The Fisherrow Coastguard team, which is part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, like similar teams/lifeboats crews up and down the coast, remains busy.

We have responded to 3 incidents this week, starting with persons stranded on Cramond Island, who were safely brought to shore.

Our second incident involved concerns for a person potentially in distress in the water, but was safely located.

Lastly, we supported our RNLI colleagues with a vessel that had issued a Mayday distress call. The vessel was safely recovered, during which the team provided shore support.

The Fisherrow Team

Our small team comprises 10 Coastguard Rescue Officer (CRO) volunteers, with our station based near Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh. The team members are all members of the local community and come from a variety of full-time backgrounds, including IT, emergency services, finance, engineering, local government, and retirees. In addition to our normal full-time employment, we respond to calls for help made to the coastguard 24/7, 365 days a year.

Assets

The team offers the following capabilities: water rescue, a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle, police-accredited lost-and-missing-person search (regularly used), advanced first aid, flood rescue, and resilience support for partners during a major incident, such as severe weather.

Local Coastguard Teams.

Want to learn more about the Coastal Rescue Teams/RNLI lifeboats in our area? Please like and follow them at

South Queensferry Coastguard
North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team
Dunbar Coastguard

Local RNLI lifeboat stations

RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat
RNLI Kinghorn Lifeboat
RNLI North Berwick Lifeboat

Lastly, in a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for COASTGUARD.

24/12/2025

Thoughts are with Kerry’s family, friends, and colleagues. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.

11/04/2025

52% of Lifejacekts checked during last weekend's lifejacket clinic at East Lothian Yacht Club may have not inflated as their wearer expected.

Common faults found included;
📆Out of date for service; All the lifejackets checked were out of date for a service or had never been serviced. It is recommended that lifejackets are serviced annually (normal cost: £20-25).

🎈Out of date automatic inflation cartridges; manufacturers recommend that recreational users replace these every 2 years or by the date printed on cartridge (normal cost: £10-15).

🛢Rusted CO2 cylinders leading to abrasions on bladder; an annual service will pick up rust and check bladder integrity.

A number of lifejackets presented may not have inflated at all despite research showing they can increase your chances of survival by up to four times if you’re immersed in cold water (Prof. Mike Tipton, 2012).

The RNLI has comprehensive advice on the selection, fitting and maintenance of lifejackets on their website if you want to learn more (link below in the comments)

Edinburgh Marine Academy are our nearest Maritime Coastguard Agency accredited lifejacket Service Centre.

31/03/2025

“Blocking access routes could put lives at risk, especially during incidents where time is of the essence. Please keep access clear for emergency services at all times.”

08/02/2025

All the very best with your retirement Joe. Stay in touch 😀

HM Coastguard - Joe Mitchell

We would like to give a special mention to Senior Coastal Operations Officer Joe Mitchell who recently retired after completing 43 years’ service with HM Coastguard. Joe worked for the majority of his service from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency sector base at Port Edgar and is well known amongst the coastal communities in the Lothians and Fife. Joe has worked extensively with both legacy forces, Police Scotland and he is also well respected amongst the national search community. During his service, he has been involved in many search & rescue incidents including aircraft crashes, major incidents, missing people, and ships in distress. In this image, we see Inspector John Mackay presenting Joe with a gift from Police Scotland at his retirement ceremony.

We wish you a fantastic retirement Joe and thank you very much for your outstanding commitment to public service.

24/01/2025

For those without power due to Storm Éowyn, we have food trucks serving hot meals at multiple locations in the Borders, Ayrshire, North Wales and East Lothian.

Up to date information about the locations is available on our website here 👉 www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/severe_weather_update.aspx

Thank you for your understanding as we continue our efforts in ensuring everyone is restored as quickly and safely as possible.

23/01/2025

The Met Office have now upgraded the previously issued ‘amber warning’ to a dangerous red status. 👇

10/01/2025

Planning a trip to the coast this weekend?

Winter at the coast can be beautiful, but it can be unpredictable and dangerous. Here are some key safety tips for visitors:

• Check the weather forecast for high winds, rain or even snow 🌧️❄️

• Be cautious on wet or icy surfaces on coastal paths which can become slippery. Watch your step and wear sturdy footwear 🥾

• Stay away from cliff edges and bases. Cliffs can be more unstable than they look, cliff falls or landslides happen without warning ⛰️

• Allow time to get back safely before nightfall. Take a torch with you for extra visibility 🔦

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard 📱

19/12/2024

Yellow Weather Warning
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High winds are forecastq in this area from 0700 hrs on Saturday to 2100 hrs on Sunday. The wind strength is predicted to be more than 50 mph at times over the weekend.

Please be careful in coastal locations & sea fronts as they will likely be affected by sea spray and large waves. Stay up to date with the weather via the Met Office or local Media.