Four Dundee men involved in the rescue of a suicidal woman from the River Tay are to be honoured by the Royal Humane Society.
Politics student Andrew MacQueen (21), of Watson Street, rushed to assist students Jonathon Dickson (20) and Billy McKerrow (20) and taxi driver Chris Webster (31) when he spotted the group signalling on Riverside Drive in September.
A 66-year-old woman had leaped into the icy water at around 8.30pm as gale-force winds whipped up the waves, but she was spotted by several people walking or driving past.
The improvised rescue team quickly formed a human chain and, using a lifebelt, were able to dangle Chris over the edge to hoist the woman to safety before the emergency services arrived.
Andrew (pictured) said the incident, which took place around 150 yards from the rail bridge, happened “really quickly” and praised the bravery of those involved.
He said, “I was driving to Invergowrie along Riverside on my way back from a university meeting when I saw these guys standing at the road.
“There was a man hanging over the edge of the wall beside the river so I turned the car and got out to see what was going on.
“The woman was trapped and we needed to get her out quickly, so we ended up getting a rope and throwing it around her and then forming a kind of human chain to reach her.
“We eventually managed to pull her out by holding on to one of the guys and lowering him down until he had a hold of her.”
All involved in the rescue have been put forward for life-saving awards to be presented by the Royal Humane Society (RHS) later this year.
Certificates of Commendation will go to Andrew, Jonathon, Billy and student Sam McLeod (17), from Grangemouth, who was also involved in the rescue.
Chris will be awarded a Testimonial on Parchment for his bravery.
While Andrew said it was an honour to be included, he played down his own role.
He said, “It is not something I would credit myself with. I only played a part in it all.
“I didn’t really think anything more about it after that night until the police came to my door to tell me I had been nominated.
“I thought I had been caught speeding or done something I wasn’t aware of. You don’t really think about what you are doing at the time.
“I never expected to be involved with anything like that but you just kind of get on with it.
“It was a normal human reaction and I think anybody would have done the same.”
The rescued woman is understood to have a bipolar disorder and has since expressed her gratitude to Andrew.
RHS secretary Dick Wilkinson commended the group for their bravery and quick thinking.
He said, “They all placed themselves in danger, particularly Mr Webster, who was the closest to the very cold and tidal water in gale-force winds, and the one in contact with the woman.
“By working together in such impressive fashion, however, they saved a life, and richly deserve these awards.”