Lifeboat crews from Montrose and Arbroath battled 90mph Storm Arwen for four hours to help a stricken vessel in the North Sea on Friday night.
Crews from both towns were called out at 11.30pm as the storm battered the region with hurricane-force winds.
It came as a red weather warning was in place along the coast, including the area covered by both lifeboats.
A statement on the Montrose Lifeboat Facebook page said: “Montrose Lifeboat was requested to launch at 11.30pm on Friday.
“The lifeboat was tasked to an 82-metre coaster motor vessel.
Vessel at risk of going aground
“The casualty vessel was dragging its anchor and was in danger of going aground at the south end of Lunan Bay.
“The lifeboat launched and made best speed to the area but was hampered by the very rough weather conditions.
“Once on scene the crew carried out a visual check of the port side of the vessel to check for damage.”
The Montrose crew was joined by volunteers from Arbroath, who also checked for damage but none was found.
‘Challenging’ entry to Montrose Harbour
The statement continued: “The vessel was able to make 2kts of speed at best.
“It was decided to escort her to safer waters approximately four miles from land. Once there both lifeboats were stood down.
“Montrose lifeboat returned to Montrose with Arbroath lifeboat. Arbroath lifeboat opted to follow to allow the weather to break and make a safer recovery at Arbroath.
“Following a challenging entry into Montrose Harbour, both lifeboats were back at Montrose lifeboat station at approximately 3.30am.”
You people are all heroes. Amazing how you go out in that weather.”
Locals have praised the crews for venturing out in such treacherous conditions.
Samantha Maher wrote: “What brave people, well done.”
Kate Pirie posted: “You people are all heroes. Amazing how you go out in that weather.”
Rhys Lewis Malcolm wrote: “Wow brave doesn’t even cover it! Glad all got home safe and well.”
Storm Arwen has left thousands of people across Tayside without power with roads and railway lines blocked and damage to several buildings.
We have live updates as the clear-up from the storm gets under way.
