Two adults and child rescued from sea at Aberdeen beach as Storm Ashley batters region

Two people got into difficulty and a third person went into the water to try to rescue them.

By Alberto Lejarraga

October 20 2024, 5:12 pm

Police are responding to a major incident at Aberdeen beach. Image: Kenny Elrisk/DC Thomson

Two adults and a child have been rescued from the sea as Storm Ashley batters Aberdeen.

The casualties, which include a young boy, were treated by paramedics at Aberdeen beach before being taken to hospital to be checked over.

Police, ambulance, coastguard and RNLI volunteers were called to the beach at around 4pm on Sunday following reports of three people in difficulty in the sea.

The esplanade has been cordoned off. Image: DC Thomson

A police spokesperson said: “Around 4pm on Sunday 20 October, 2024 we were called to a report of a man, woman and young boy in difficulty in the water at Aberdeen Beach.

“Officers attended along with the Coastguard and Scottish Ambulance Service, all three people are now safely out of the water and have been taken to hospital to be checked over.”

Third person had to be rescued after trying to save others

The first report was of two people in the water but when the coastguard arrived, a third person had entered to try to save the other two.

A Coastguard spokesperson said: “We were called to Aberdeen Beach at 4.55pm following a report of two people in the water.

“We sent three crews, one from Aberdeen, one from Stonehaven and a third one from Cruden Bay.”

Strong waves battered the beachfront. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson 20/10/24

They added: “There was also a RNLI rescue boat dispatched from Aberdeen Lifeboat Station.

“When we got to the scene, there was a third person in the water who had tried to rescue the other two.

“The three people have been rescued from the water and are being treated by the ambulance service.”

Police warning to avoid Aberdeen beach after rescue

It came during high winds as a weather warning remains in place due to Storm Ashley.

Emergency services fought against high winds during the rescue as high waves reached the police cordon during the rescue.

Police have asked people to leave the area. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

Crowds gathered to watch the incident unfold and police are now urging them to leave.

Sergeant Scott McKay said: “We are aware of a number of people who are still in the beach area and we would urge them to leave as soon as possible for safety reasons.

“The weather we are experiencing is creating unsafe conditions and I would ask that you follow our advice.”