Preparations for a training exercise were overtaken by a real-life rescue drama on Friday evening when the Anstruther lifeboat crew rescued a fishing vessel.
The volunteer lifeboat crew and coxswain Michael Bruce were enjoying their evening meals when the lifeboat pagers activated just before 6pm.
The fishing vessel the Challenger, out of the neighbouring harbour at Pittenweem, had a crew of three and its skipper reported loss of power from the engine, with no means of propulsion.
Fortunately, weather and sea conditions helped the lifeboat team make their way to the casualty by 7pm.
Two of the Anstruther crew, both fishermen and familiar with fishing boat engines, were transferred to the stricken fishing vessel.
The transferring crewmen were held on lifelines managed by their crewmates until the moment was right for them to make the leap between the two vessels.
A tow was established and the lifeboat returned to Pittenweem. The two transferred crewmen then set about helping the fishermen get their engine running.
However, around 10pm and in the approaches to Pittenweem Harbour, the crewmen reported the fishing vessel was taking on water fast.
Pumps were put in place and the lifeboat diverted to nearby Anstruther where the fishing vessel could be “beached” for repair, with the inshore lifeboat being launched to help in manoeuvring it on to the beach.
The rescue reached a successful conclusion around 11.30pm, with the fishing vessel safely on the beach and the lifeboats rehoused.
Mr Bruce said: “What began as a routine service call quickly deteriorated as the vessel began taking on water.
“The training and professionalism shown by every member of my team brought the incident to a successful close.”