Two people have been pulled from the Firth of Forth near a former power station in East Lothian after diving in to rescue a dog that had become trapped in the water.
Coastguard crews from Fisherrow and North Berwick were scrambled to an area outside the decommissioned Cockenzie Power Station on Saturday afternoon following calls from concerned passers-by on the coastal path.
The Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also attended the incident along with the Kinghorn RNLI team.
It came as figures released by HM Coastguard revealed a 54 per cent increase in the number of callouts on Friday’s bank holiday, with 16 calls responded to by the maritime rescuers being received in Scotland over a 24-hour period.
Fire crews helped secure the pair on a concrete ledge near the water’s edge before they were taken to Cockenzie Harbour.
It later emerged the pair had observed a struggling dog in the estuary and had entered the water to free it before becoming trapped themselves.
Both were checked by ambulance crews, but were found to have suffered no serious injuries.
The dog at the centre of the rescue was also reported to be safe and well.
A North Berwick Coastguard spokesman said: “Although distressing we would always advise people to refrain from entering the water to affect a rescue. Animals will often self extricate given time.
“Stop, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard and keep eyes on the person / animal and await rescue teams. Be there to direct the teams to the location, please don't become a casualty.
“Remember if you see someone or something you are concerned about on the shoreline, cliff, mud or on the sea. Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
A total of 97 incidents were recorded on Friday across the UK, the highest figure since the country was placed in lockdown at the end of March.
In April, RNLI crews in Queensferry issued warnings after the lifeboat was forced to assemble when a group of walkers swam from Cramond Island to cross the submerged causeway.
Of the 16 callouts on Friday, one incident involved two people who had got into difficulty on a boat while under the influence of alcohol.
