Person rescued near Cramond Island in Firth of Forth after drifting on inflatable mattress

A casualty has been rescued from the Firth of Forth after drifting on an inflatable mattress near to Cramond Island.

RNLI Queensferry launched a rescue mission at 9.18am on Sunday following reports of a person on an inflatable mattress who had fallen into the water east of the island but managed to self-recover.

The casualty had been on the water since around 8am, with sea temperatures estimated at just 7C.

The lifeboat quickly located the individual, who was wet and showing signs of “extreme cold”.

Rescue: The casualty was recovered. RNLI via Supplied

Volunteer crew members recovered both the casualty and the mattress onto the lifeboat and wrapped the person in warm clothing.

Due to concerns over the casualty’s condition, it was decided that rapid evacuation and medical assistance were required.

The lifeboat transported the individual to Granton Harbour, where they were handed over to the Scottish Ambulance Service, including a specialist SORT team, along with South Queensferry Coastguard Rescue Team.

The incident marked Queensferry Lifeboat’s fourth emergency call-out of 2026.