Members of the all-weather lifeboat crew from Anstruther were called to deal with a fishing vessel which had got into difficulty on Monday evening.
The vessel had been having issues with its engine around a mile off St Monans and was drifting in worsening sea conditions as a strong wind was picking up.
The alarm was then raised at around 5pm.
A tow was set up and the vessel was safely brought back into Pittenweem harbour at around 5.45pm.
Coxswain Michael Bruce hailed the quick thinking of the fisherman to call for assistance in unfortunate circumstances.
Michael added: “Although this shout was to assist a local fisherman who has great knowledge and experience of the sea, sometimes things happen out with our control and it is essential that you know how to get help.
“If you are ever at sea and get into trouble, no matter how experienced you are, call the coastguard and ask for help.’
Due to tidal constraints the lifeboat was moored in Pittenweem so it could remain on service.
Whilst the crew waiting on the tide to come in, they took this opportunity to nip home and eat their cold dinners, before returning to the station at 8.15pm to recover and rehouse the lifeboat ready for service.
