Coastguard officials today condemned yobs who vandalised lifesaving equipment near a North-east beach.

A throwline cabinet near Stonehaven beach was opened and the lifeline was thrown on to the beach.

The Coastguard said the incident was “extremely irresponsible”.

Daniel Carnegie, a coastguard rescue officer, said: “This type of behaviour is extremely irresponsible and could have had serious consequences, so we would ask that if members of the public do notice any damage to these devices anywhere along our beach that they report it to ourselves or the council immediately.”

The throwline was not damaged, but it was left in a condition that would mean it could not be operated in an emergency.

Coastguard coastal operations area commander Ross Greenhill said: “As we have seen with the tragic events at Aberdeen Beach on Saturday where two members of the same family sadly lost their lives in the sea, members of the public need to know that when the equipment is required that it is ready to be used.

“When used correctly, it can help stop people putting their own lives in danger, stabilising a situation until rescue services can get there.

“Therefore if this equipment is damaged maliciously, the vandals can be contributing towards someone losing their life where it would otherwise be saved.”

He added: “If anyone should see any equipment damaged, it should be reported to the local authorities, so it can be replaced.

“If you see anybody in trouble along the shoreline, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”