A person who had been calling for help from rocks near Harbour Street, Boddam, was rescued in the early hours of Sunday after a member of the public dialled 999.
Peterhead RNLI volunteers were paged at 03:12am on 19 July 2026. The crew mustered quickly, launched the lifeboat and located the casualty, who was then taken to hospital for further treatment. No update on the person’s condition has been released.
How the call unfolded
The alert came from a member of the public who reported hearing someone shouting for help from the rocks at Harbour Street. The quick action of that person in contacting the emergency services allowed the coastguard and RNLI to respond without delay.
"At 03.12am this morning, Peterhead RNLI’s volunteer crew were paged following a 999 call from a concerned member of the public who reported hearing someone shouting for help from the rocks at Harbour Street, Boddam."
The RNLI statement highlighted the speed of the response and paid tribute to two volunteers attending their first service as newly qualified crew members, named Orest and Declan. Coxswain Michael Dyke thanked the caller for raising the alarm and advising they contact the coastguard, which allowed emergency services to reach the casualty promptly.
Local context and safety reminders
Incidents on the coast remain a regular hazard in Aberdeenshire, where cliffs, tidal beaches and rocky foreshore pose risks to walkers, anglers and visitors, particularly at night. The RNLI and coastguard routinely advise people to take extra care near the water and to follow simple safety steps to avoid requiring rescue.
- Keep well back from cliff edges and unstable rocks.
- Avoid walking on the foreshore after dark or in poor visibility.
- If you see someone in danger, call 999 and ask for the coastguard without delay.
Local services rely heavily on volunteer crews who train for search and rescue operations in all weathers. The involvement of newly qualified crew members in this callout underlines the ongoing commitment of volunteers across Aberdeenshire.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Harbour Street, Boddam |
| Timescale | 03:12am, 19 July 2026 |
| Responders | Peterhead RNLI |
| Outcome | Casualty located and transferred to hospital |
For residents and visitors using Aberdeenshire’s coastline, this incident is a reminder that rapid reporting and clear information to the emergency services can make the difference between a safe resolution and a prolonged, more dangerous rescue. Local authorities and emergency services continue to urge caution and preparedness when near the water.
