By Laurie Watson

A JET skier who came to the rescue of two people who nearly drowned in the rising tide off St Andrews on Saturday has remained an anonymous hero.

The watersports enthusiast rescued the unidentified man and woman after they became trapped by the incoming tide at the West Sands shortly after 4.30pm.

However, following their dramatic rescue and safe passage to the shore the jet skier took off with neither the couple nor the coastguard able to find and thank him for his quick thinking.

A spokesman for the coastguard said the couple had a lucky escape but confirmed that despite searching the bay for the mystery man their search had proved fruitless.

He said, “Our search last night never uncovered who the jet skier was so it looks like he rode his ski off never to be found.

“I know the couple are both extremely grateful for his assistance in what was an extremely scary situation.”

The drama began when emergency services received a string of reports of two people apparently becoming trapped by the incoming tide.

As the water rose, the situation became more desperate and lifeboat crews from Broughty Ferry lifeboat station and a Sea King helicopter were scrambled.

A coastguard spokeswoman said, “There were reports that the couple were almost fully submerged but the jet skier arrived and pulled them to safety.

“They were treated by ambulances at the scene and both were in shock at the ordeal but neither sustained any physical injuries and did not require any hospital treatment.”