A man was rescued from Fraserburgh Harbour yesterday after falling off the pier.
Fraserburgh’s lifeboat crew was called into action on Tuesday afternoon after local fishermen spotted a man in the water at the port.
The lifeboat crew were stood down however, thanks to the quick thinking of nearby workmen throwing the man a life ring.
The harbour pilot boat, which was in the area at time, pulled him from the water soon afterwards.
A spokesman for the lifeboat said volunteers were paged at about 2pm.
The man is understood to have been preparing creels at the time of the accident.
“Luckily Fraserburgh Harbour pilot boat was in the vicinity and the crew were able to throw the man a life ring and pick him up,” he added.
“Arriving on scene shortly after, the lifeboat was able to ascertain that the rescued person was safe and well, uninjured and able to go home.”
Fraserburgh Lifeboat coxswain Victor Sutherland added: “Fortunately, on this occasion, we had a happy outcome but he was very lucky.
“The harbour pilot boat just by chance was in very close proximity and was able to respond immediately and go and pick him up.
“A couple of hours later the fishermen who raised the alarm had all left aboard their vessels for the fishing grounds so the alarm may not have been raised.
“This incident also highlights the importance of wearing a lifejacket and our advice to anyone engaged in water based activities or activities near the water is to wear a well fitted, well maintained and suitable lifejacket, or buoyancy aid.”
About 200 people drown in the coastal waters in accidents around the UK and the Republic of Ireland every year.
Research has shown that wearing a lifejacket can increase a person’s chances of survival by up to four times if they are immersed in cold water.
