Missing Diver North Berwick Saturday

[Alun]

Err, that would be me then!!! :o

Managed to get separated from my buddy on ascent (vis was below 1m) Carried on reeling in dsmb and saw a loop which was the end of my line coming towards me. The blob had become detached.

Surfaced normally and after looking around on the surface saw the boat some distance away (was told later it was a mile). Managed to get their attention and they rushed over to me.

Whilst I was being picked up I was told that the coastguard had been told and the lifeboat had been sent out. Just as they said this a brightly coloured RIB came into view heading straight for us - North Berwick RNLI.

I would like to publicly thank the crew of the lifeboat who came out to make sure I was ok - despite being told that I'd been found just as they launched, and for escorting us back to harbour. I was also told that the helicopter was about to be scrambled, mainly due to the 45 minute journey from where it is based.

Lessons learned:

• Thou shalt always take thy spare reel and dsmb even when thou thinks thou needeth it not.
• Thou shalt stop eyeing up shiny things and get thyself a whistle
• Thou shalt buy a spare whistle and make sure they are on all bits of thy kit
• Collapsible flags are NOT expensive, stop being a tightwad
• It shall happen even to thee.

The point of this post? The vain hope that someone will know someone who knows someone who was involved in looking for me, and pass on my thanks. From the point of view of someone who was reported missing, and the effort put into looking for me - it really is quite overwhelming. Not once did anyone say "You stupid bastard, why didn't you ..." even though I probably deserved to hear it.

Thanks again.
Alun.

[AirAssisted]

Good post. Lesson learned eh .. now onward and upward

ps flags and whistles available on ebay!

[Mr T.]

Glad you're ok mate and back with us safe. Lesson learnt. 'Nough said

[Paul Beal]

Glad to hear you are safe and well.

I will pass the URL of this thread onto Gary Lawson (Skipper of Pegesus) who should be able to get the senior cox of the lifeboat to have a look.

Paul

[Humber Coastguard]

Alun

I've passed on your message to Forth Coastguard who co-ordinated the job. They will pass it on to North Berwick RNLI.

If you ever want to get in touch with any of the rescue services you can contact them through the Coastguard Rescue Co-ordination Centres (RCCs) - phone numbers at:-

HM Coastguard RCC Phone Numbers

It's surprising how few people ever bother to say thanks after they've been helped.

Paul