Major search operation for 'two girls' near Portobello Beach 'false call'

A major search operation near Portobello Beach on Thursday for two girls was a “false call with good intent”, say police.

The alarm was raised at around 4.55pm, and a multi-agency response was deployed to the Edinburgh beach.

Two Coastguard helicopters are assisting alongside rescue teams from South Queensferry, North Berwick and Fisherrow, and lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther.

The Coastguard response was stood down at around 8.55pm after no one was found to be in distress.

Police Scotland confirmed no one was traced and no further reports were received.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.45pm on Thursday, May 28, 2026, we received a report of concern for two people having entered the water at Portobello beach in Edinburgh.

“Officers attended along with partner agencies and extensive searches were carried out in the area.

“No one was traced, and no further reports have been received. The incident is being treated as a false call with good intent.”

A spokesperson said: “HM Coastguard coordinated the response to a report made at about 4.55pm on May 28 of two girls in difficulty in the water off Portobello beach.

“Two HM Coastguard helicopters were sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from South Queensferry, North Berwick and Fisherrow, and RNLI lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther. Police Scotland attended.

“After an extensive search, no one was found to be in distress and the HM Coastguard response was stood down at about 8.55pm, pending any new information.”