Vandals have been accused of risking lives after going on a rampage at a north-east beach.
Life rings have been hauled from their holders along Fraserburgh beach, and the ropes used to throw them into the sea cut.
Last night, the culprits were branded “stupid” and accused of jeopardising the lives of those living in the fishing town.
Just two weeks ago, Aberdeen mum Julie Walker and her six-year-old son Lucas died after getting into difficulties at Aberdeen beach. Despite heroic efforts to pull the pair from the waves, they later died in hospital.
Victor Sutherland, coxswain of the Fraserburgh lifeboat, last night said the tragedy showed just how dangerous the north-east’s coastal waters can be, even during the summertime.
Branding the vandalism near the Water of Philorth as “disappointing,” he said: “Any sort of life-saving equipment on beaches, river banks or water fronts is there for a purpose – to keep people alive.
“It is there for a reason and the last thing you want is to thrown in a rope and find it’s cut.”
Mr Sutherland said life rings, belts and ropes are critical to keeping people afloat and alive long enough for lifeboat volunteers and other emergency crews to arrive on the scene.
“They’re very effective for what they are – a basic piece of equipment which can make a difference in a life or death situation. It’s call a life ring for a reason.
“With this being a fishing town people should have an appreciation of the dangers of the sea. It’s disappointing.”
Fraserburgh’s safety group chairman Brian Topping also slammed the vandals, and said they should be ashamed.
“Someone’s life could depend on that,” the Fraserburgh councillor said. “It has been tampered with. I just hope one of their family or friends aren’t needing emergency attention.”
Mr Topping said he has reported the matter to Aberdeenshire Council, the authority responsible for the provision and upkeep of the rings.
He added: “There vandals should be ashamed of themselves – these are here to save people’s lives. It’s plain stupidity.
“People should be actually ashamed – the consequences are unthinkable.”
Last night Margaret-Jane Cardno, Aberdeenshire Council’s area manager for Banff and Buchan, said: “These incidents of vandalism are very worrying as this equipment could be needed to save a life.
“We are working to resolve the issue and replace the vandalised life buoys.”
