A couple were nearly swept out to sea on a Scots beach after rushing into the water to rescue their stranded dog.
Two lifeboats and a helicopter were involved in the dramatic rescue with the pair were airlifted to hospital after the drama on Aberdeen beach last night.
The had been walking with their pet in the Donmouth area when the dog rushed into the water at around 5.30pm.
A rescue helicopter arrived 20 minutes later airlifting the man to hospital.
The woman was also taken in for shock.
The dog has recovered.
A message reportedly from the couple has since been posted on Aberdeen's Fubar news Facebook page.
The message, from 'Kev and Skye', reads: "I would like to give out a huge thank you to all that helped me at the Donmouth this evening from the emergency service to the lovely people on the beach, i do apologise i have forgotten names but would appreciate if you could be in touch so i can thank you personally.
"I was having a walk with my dog at the beach when my dog Skye got into difficulties so i went in after her after all she is like a child to my wife and I, after getting in the current was so strong and we got swept out to sea.
"Amazingly we both managed to get back to shore but I honestly thought my time was up.
"Again i appreciate the efforts made by all."
A statement from the Coastguard released last night read: "This evening Officers from our Aberdeen and Cruden Bay teams were tasked to reports of a person in the water in the Donmouth area.
"Aberdeen Coastguard Operations Centre also tasked Aberdeen Lifeboat and Rescue Helicopter Bond1 to the scene.
"The Aberdeen team were first on scene where the casualty had self recovered from the water however required casualty care. A second person who had not been in the water also required casualty care.
"Rescue Bond 1 landed on scene to provide paramedic support prior to Scottish Ambulance Service arrival.
"Cruden Bay team initially went to scene to provide additional resources and then were tasked to operate the Emergency Helicopter Landing site at ARI for Bond 1.
"The first casualty was helicopter evacuated and passed into hospital care at ARI.
"With the second casualty's condition causing concern, the decision was made to also evacuate by helicopter.
"Rescue Bond 1 returned to scene and then back to ARI where the casualty was also passed into hospital care.
"The dog had self recovered.
"The Donmouth is particularly dangerous with very strong undercurrents, hidden obstacles and with the recent rain, fast flowing water.
"If your dog goes into the water, don't go in after them. Move to a place where the dog could get out easily and call them - they will probably get out by themselves."
