Lifeboat crews in Fife sprung into action to rescue a paddleboarder who was 'drifting perilously out to sea' on Saturday.
Crews from Anstruther RNLI launched at the request of the UK Coastguard following multiple 999 calls reporting the paddleboarder drifting out to sea off the coast of Kingsbarns.
The alarm was raised shortly before 12.30pm, with the casualty drifting at speed in a force six strong breeze.
The D-class inshore lifeboat commenced a search in St Andrews Bay, with white horse waves making the search for a white paddleboard all the more challenging.
With the UK Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter on its way from Prestwick, an eagle-eyed volunteer crew member spotted the paddleboarder clinging desperately to their board.
READ MORE: Man dies after falling overboard from Stena Line ferry in Scots loch
They were helped onto the lifeboat and transferred to the comfort of the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat, before transiting to Anstruther Harbour to meet waiting paramedics.
Louis McNaught was the crew member to first spot the casualty. They praised the swift actions of the multiple 999 callers in raising the alarm.
Louis said: ‘With strong gusts blowing the paddleboarder over two miles from the first reported location, it was down to the quick thinking of the multiple 999 callers who got vital help to the person in need.
"We urge anyone who spots someone in difficulty to do the same and dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
The RNLI in Scotland saw an 86% increase in rescues involving paddleboards last year.
The RNLI urges paddleboarders to wear a floatation device and beware of offshore winds.
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