RNLI crew given award for rescue

The volunteers who form the team were given the letter of thanks after responding to a call in February 2016.

The crew were paged with an immediate request to launch by Aberdeen coastguard at 3.28am, with both lifeboats having to be used to assist three anglers who got into difficulties while fishing off the back of St Monans harbour.

RNLI trustee Sir Andrew Cubie presented the letter to Michael Bruce, station coxswain, and Barry Gourlay, senior helmsman, at a recent exercise and thanked the crew for their efforts that night.

The letter stated: “During this service, you all demonstrated courage, determination and excellent seamanship and you are all to be commended for all that you achieved under such challenging circumstances.”

A spokesman for the RNLI Anstruther crew said: “The RNLI Chairman’s award is recognition for the continued training and commitment the team at Anstruther participate in.

“On launching that night in poor weather with both lifeboats, the crew worked together to arrive on the scene swiftly, manoeuvre the lifeboats into position with very little water and assist the three fishermen to safety.

“The award will take pride of place in the station and is a reminder to our volunteers the pivotal role we play in saving lives at sea.”