Stranded children EDINBURGH CITY POLICE informed Queensferry ILB station at 1725 on Sunday February 4 that four children and their dog were stranded on Cramond Island. The children had tried to return to the mainland by the causeway but, cut off by the tide, had been forced back to the island and had had to wade ashore waist deep. It was a calm, clear evening but very cold.

The crew mustered immediately and the Atlantic 21 was launched at 1735, her engines responding immediately despite the -4°c temperature. When the ILB arrived at Cramond Island at 1750 there was minimal water, but Helmsman Thomas Robertson raised the engine skegs while Crew Members Kenneth Burchell and Rass Watson went over the side to help the boat to beach. They found the children, allaged between ten and twelve, suffering from cold and needing help to board and disembark.

The Atlantic 21 returned to station at 1820 and the children, together with their dog, were helped into the waiting Police patrol car. The boat, on recovery, was totally iced over above her waterline; she was rehoused and ready for service at 1900.

For this service a letter of appreciation to the crew signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, was sent to the honorary secretary of Queensferry, Captain J. F. Kersley..