By Lynne Stewart

A TEENAGE jet skier who rescued a couple who nearly drowned in the sea off St Andrews at the weekend said yesterday he “only did what anyone would do.”

Forth Coastguard praised Martin Buchan (17), from Coaltown of Wemyss, near Kirkcaldy, who pulled the distressed pair on to his jet ski and returned them safely to dry land.

The incident happened at the West Sands, St Andrews, shortly after 4.30pm on Saturday.

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

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

Martin noticed a woman on the beach waving her arms. He went ashore and was asked by the woman to help the couple who had been paddling in the water and had been swept out by the tide.

The teenager dashed to the aide of the unidentified pair and took them ashore, where they were treated by ambulance crews.

Both were in shock but neither sustained any physical injuries and did not require hospital treatment.

“I was jet skiing when I noticed the woman waving her arms as if she was trying to attract attention,” Martin said yesterday.

“I went over to see if there was something wrong and she told me to help the two people who were in trouble in the water.

“They had been walking out in the water when I think the tide must have dragged them out further than they had planned.

“I pulled them on to the jet ski and took them to the beach and the ambulance looked them over.

“The woman was shaking like anything and they were both in shock but very grateful to me.”

The apprentice car mechanic, who was with a group of friends, including his brother Jason, said he was pleased to have been able to help.

“They could have drowned and I only did what anyone would do and tried to help as best I could.

“They had a lucky escape. They were a bit shaken up by everything,” Martin added.

Steven Higgins, from Forth Coastguard, said the couple had a lucky escape and praised Martin’s actions.

He said, “His actions are to be commended and the coastguard appreciate his efforts.”