Three people have been taken to hospital after they drifted out to sea on a board off the north-east coast.
Emergency crews were called to Balmedie Beach at around 3.20pm following reports of an adult and child in trouble in the water.
A third person entered the North Sea to try and assist them. All three managed to get themselves to the shoreline and were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
A rescue helicopter, Aberdeen Coastguard rescue team, both city lifeboats, an ambulance and police were sent to the area.
A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed details of the operation.
She said: “At 3.20pm today multiple 999 calls were received from concerned members of the public reporting an adult and a child drifting out to sea on a board.
“Aberdeen Coastguard Rescue Team was sent, along with RNLI Lifeboats from Aberdeen as well as police. A Bond offshore helicopter was also sent.
“The two people in the water attempted to swim for the shore and a third person is thought to have entered the water from the shore to try and assist. The three people self-recovered to the shore.
“They have been taken by the Bond helicopter to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and are currently in the care of the paramedics.”
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