North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team

02/05/2026

Team Award

Back in February this year the team, alongside our friends from RNLI North Berwick Lifeboat and Dunbar Coastguard, were tasked to Seacliff harbour to reports of people in the water trying to rescue a dog.

On the day in question there was a large swell rolling in, rendering the water very treacherous with waves breaking into the harbour.

Upon arrival it was immediately identified that Sparkle, a Weimaraner, was still in the water with a member of the public trying to rescue her. Additionally Sparkle’s owner was already back on the harbour wall having entered the water to rescue Sparkle.

Two members of the North Berwick Coastguard team dawned water rescue PPE and entered the water, securing Sparkle to a ladder awaiting further support.

The team from North Berwick lifeboat arrived and began casualty care on Sparkles owner and the good samaritan.

Sparkle was placed into a rope rescue bag and hauled up the wall to safety.

Thankfully neither Sparkle or her human rescuers required any further medical assistance.

Following the incident PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) were informed of the incident and subsequently kindly presented both the Coastguard and lifeboat teams with their ‘Hero to Animals’ award for the incident.

We are very grateful for the recognition and are immensely proud of the part we played in ensuring both Sparkle and her owners were returned to safety.

Whilst a heart breaking ordeal to have to witness, we would always recommend that you do not enter the water to rescue animals, encourage them towards a safe exit route or place of safety and call for assistance.

If you see someone or something on the coastline, water, beaches or harbours don’t day. Call 999 and ask for COASTGUARD. If in doubt, call.

07/03/2026

Another busy couple of weeks for the team;

22nd Feb - Team attended a report of possible Ordnance at Yellowcraig beach. The initial call was made to Police Scotland East Lothian - Given the location of the item on the beach this fell within HM Coastguard remit. Along with Dunbar Coastguard the teams attended ensuring safe cordons were implemented. The Explosive Ordnance Division team attended and carried out a controlled detonation. Remember- If you find something you are concerned about, stay clear and keep others clear, call 999 immediately- If on the coastline, as for Coastguard.

23rd Feb - Team assisted police with an incident in the North Berwick area which was successful resolved.

27th February- Team tasked alongside Dunbar CRT, RNLI Dunbar Lifeboats and Eyemouth Coastguard to assist Police Scotland with a missing person search in the Dunbar area.

7th March - Team tasked alongside Fisherrow Coastguard and RNLI Kinghorn Lifeboat to reports of a person in the water im the Musselburgh area. Team members entered the water in water rescue equipment, successfully recovering the casualty safely ashore and into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

7th March - Team tasked alongside Dunbar CRT to Gullane Bents to assist Ambulance service with a casualty who had fallen within the sand dunes. On arrival the teams assisted in packaging the casualty into our rescue stretcher. Support was provided by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, callsign Rescue 199 from Prestwick. Working alongside the crew and SORT Paramedics, the casualty was loaded onto the helicopter to be transferred to a land ambulance for onward treatment. We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.

REMEMBER- If you see someone, or something on the beaches, water or harbours, please dont delay, call 999 and ask for COASTGUARD. If in doubt, call.

07/02/2026

A busy week so far for the team with 5 separate call outs, in addition to our usual Tuesday training, where we are currently welcoming 2 new recruits.

Taskings:

Monday - Tasked to a windsurfer in difficulties - Portobello - Stood down en-route having had confirmation the person was safely ashore and required no further assistance.

Tuesday - Tasked with Dunbar Coastguard to support Police Scotland East Lothian with a missing person search inland - Thankfully the person was traced safe with the teams providing support with casualty care.

Wednesday- Tasked to investigate children possibly in danger next the large waves weve been experiencing locally. Persons traced with adult supervision in place. No further assistance needed.

Saturday - Tasked with Dunbar CRT to Seacliff Harbour to reports of 2 persons in the water. On arrival it was established that 2 people were in the water trying to rescue a dog that had fallen into the harbour, the sea state in the area meant that the swell levels in the harbour were preventing the people effecting a rescue in the frigid water.

Both people were able to self extricate, however the dog remained struggling in the harbour.

RNLI North Berwick Lifeboat arrived on scene and began to provide casualty care to the persons that had been in the water, thankfully requiring no further treatment than dry clothes.

Two coastguard rescue officers dawned water rescue PPE, entered the water and secured the dog. Utilising our animal rescue bag, usually designed for technical rope rescue, the team were able to secure Sparkle, a weimaraner within the bag and haul her back to safety up the harbour wall, cold but unharmed.

North Berwick Lifeboat thereafter gave an impressive display as they left Seacliff beach, navigating massive braking waves in doing so.

We always advise, reach or throw, dont go when it comes to water rescue, however, it can be very distressing watching an animal struggling, but please keep yourself safe. Dont delay in calling for help.

Saturday (call 2) - Team tasked to a person cut off by the tide at Cramond Island alongside RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat - Whilst a regular tasking for the lifeboat we dont often get tasked as far up river, howevever, owing to other teams being involved elsewhere, we attended to provide support for the casualty’s return.

If you see someone or something you are concerned about on the coast, water or around our harbours, call 999 and ask for COASTGUARD. If in doubt, call.

02/08/2025

02/08/2025

Dunbar Coastguard and North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team were called out today to assist with investigating a missing person report along the North Berwick coast along with the Coastguard’s SAR helicopter, RNLI North Berwick Lifeboat and Police Scotland East Lothian. If you ever see anyone requiring help along our coast, call 999 and ask for COASTGUARD.

12/07/2025

If you require assistance on the coast, dial 999 and ask for COASTGUARD If in doubt, call.

Coastguard teams will be on patrol this weekend, with the fantastic weather we are seeing here are some simple safety tips;

✅ Stay hydrated and use plenty of sunscreen

✅ Be aware of tides and currents – check tide times before heading out

✅ Keep an eye on children near the water

✅ Avoid cliff edges and take extra care on coastal paths

☎️ If you see someone in difficulty at sea or on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard

We’re here to help keep everyone safe – don’t hesitate to stop and have a chat with us if you see us out and about. Enjoy the sunshine safely! ☀️🌊

01/06/2025

01/04/2025

This evening the team had the pleasure of saying thank you and farewell to Brian Stephen, who has hung up his overalls after nearly 17 years with North Berwick Coastguard Team.

Brian Joined the team after previously serving with North Berwick RNLI between 1993 and 2007, a combined voluntary service to Search and Rescue of 31 years!

Within the Coastguard Brian served in different roles including many years as the Station Officer, managing the station, team and taking the lead during call outs.

Over the years Brian has attended numerous emergency call outs along the East Coast from cliff rescues, missing persons, medical incidents to stranded animals and inflatable flamingos! Brian’s local knowledge and skills have been invaluable in both live time incidents and with the mentoring of new recruits.

Brian was presented with the Chief Coastguard’s certificate of service, trophy and King’s Coronation medal this evening.

Brian, thank you for your service, friendship and wisdom, don’t be a stranger!

28/03/2025

Thank you to Edinburgh Rugby for the invitation, warm welcome and great game this evening, we were very grateful to be a part of the event!

08/02/2025

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.