HM Coastguard searches for Iron Man
HM
Coastguard was called at 10:40 this morning after reports of a person wearing a
jet pack was seen to enter the water at Kirkcaldy, Fife.
The
‘person’ was seen to be hovering over the water and then disappeared.
Stock image MCA |
The
HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick was sent along with
coastguard rescue teams from Leven and Kinghorn and the Kinghorn RNLI lifeboat.
When
the coastguard rescues teams arrived, they soon discovered that a large
promotional inflatable Iron Man had been lost. The lifeboat had searched the
water and no one was found so the helicopter was stood down.
A
spokesperson from Aberdeen Coastguard Operations Centre said: ‘The person who
called us did exactly the right thing, we would always ask people to call 999
and ask for the Coastguard if they believe anyone is in trouble at sea or along
the coast.
‘Although
this was a large promotional inflatable it does shows how easily inflatables
can be swept out to sea.
‘Please
remember that blow up boats and toys are great fun in the swimming pool, but we
do not recommend their use at the seaside.
‘If
people do find themselves being swept out to sea, our advice is to stay with
the boat or toy and shout for help, waving arms if possible. Do not attempt to
swim for shore if out of depth. Ideally make sure that someone ashore is
keeping an eye on you.
‘Also,
If you lose any large object that potentially be confused as a person, vessel
or an aircraft in the sea please contact the Coastguard.’