The Coastguard were alerted to two girls in difficulty in the water at Portobello.
19:24, 28 May 2026Updated 19:32, 28 May 2026
Ambulance paramedics are currently at the scene.
An emergency search and rescue operation is underway as two HM Coastguard choppers scour the sea for two girls who were reportedly in difficulty off the coast of Portobello beach.
The alarm was raised at around 4.55pm on Thursday, May 28. Emergency services, including Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service, are in attendance.
It is understood Coastguard rescue teams from South Queensferry, North Berwick and Fisherrow are involved in the operation. RNLI lifeboats have also been sent from Queensferry and Anstruther.
A local has reported seeing a helicopter circling above the water at Portobello for a number of hours. An image sent to Edinburgh Live shows paramedics parked on the promenade.
A spokesperson for the HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard is coordinating the response to a report made at about 4.55pm on May 28 of two girls in difficulty in the water off Portobello beach.
Screenshot
“Two HM Coastguard helicopters have been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from South Queensferry, North Berwick and Fisherrow, and RNLI lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther.
“Police Scotland is attending.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.45pm on Thursday, 28 May, 2026, officers received a report of concern for two people having entered the water at Portobello beach.
“Emergency services are in attendance. Officers are speaking to the reporter to get more information.”