Coastguard search for suspected migrant vessel off the coast of Elie.
A major search mission was launched by the coastguard after a report of suspected migrant activity off the coast of Fife.
Emergency services were called to Ruby Bay in Elie on Thursday afternoon after a member of the public dialled 999.
The witness claimed they had seen an overcrowded vessel acting suspiciously in the area, prompting fears that a boat may be illegally carrying migrants.
Coastguard teams from St Andrews and Leven scoured the shoreline between Elie and Crail harbour in a bid to find the inflatable dinghy or any individuals in distress.
The teams were stood down after no vessel matching that description was found and the call was labelled as a “false alarm with good intent”.
Due to the nature of the incident, Police Scotland confirmed they were also alerted at around 3.40pm.
A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “Leven and St Andrews coastguard rescue teams were sent following a report of an overloaded boat in Ruby Bay, Elie on January 10.
“Following an extensive search, resources were stood down.”
