A couple sparked a major rescue operation after becoming stranded on a Scots coastal path just days after police chiefs issued a tide warning.
A team from RNLI Kinghorn were called to the scene in Burntisland, Fife, at around 4.30pm on Sunday after the alarm was raised.
The duo had been attempting to walk from the town to Pettycur harbour when they became cut off by the rising Firth of Forth.
British Transport Police last week issued a plea for visitors to check tide times after a rising number of people have been seen trespassing on the adjacent East Coast main line.
Stranded beachgoers have been seen scrambling up the embankment and over the busy tracks - sparking fears someone could be hit by a train.
The couple were unharmed following their ordeal after being plucked to safety by the RNLI crew.
A statement read: “We were tasked at 4.30pm following a call for assistance from two people cut off by the tide at Burntisland, beside the East Coast Main Line.
“The couple had been attempting to walk from Burntisland to Pettycur harbour when the incoming tide trapped them. The lifeboat was soon on scene to assess the situation.
“It was found that access by the lifeboat was not possible due to water depth; however, a group of local water sports enthusiasts, who were also off-duty crewmembers, were in the area with a small boat and jet-skis and were able to assist by getting closer in to transfer the casualties to deeper water and onto the lifeboat.
“The two people, who did not require any medical assistance, were taken to the Beacon slipway where Kinghorn Coastguard and RNLI Lifeguards Scotland personnel met the lifeboat.
“This incident follows a plea from the British Transport Police and RNLI to be aware of the risks at this part of the coastline.
“There have been several similar incidents in recent years and BTP has warned of the dangers of trespassing on the railway line.
“The RNLI recommends being aware of coastal hazards such as the tide and checking tide times before you set out.”
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