Two people taken to hospital after fishing boat runs aground and sinks in St Andrews

Coastguard and lifeboat crews were called to the scene on Tuesday.

By Ellidh Aitken

December 3 2024, 2:11pm

Coastguard teams were called after a fishing boat ran aground and sank in St Andrews. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Two people were taken to hospital after a fishing boat ran aground and sank in St Andrews.

The two casualties were rescued from the water during the incident at the town’s harbour.

They were both taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

Two lifeboats from Broughty Ferry, two coastguard teams and a helicopter were called after the boat ran aground.

Two ambulances and a special operations team were also in attendance.

Ambulance crews were also called to assist. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Emergency services were called to St Andrews Harbour. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Coastguard crews were called to St Andrews Harbour. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

The helicopter turned away from the area before landing as the two casualties were taken to safety.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 1.32pm today to attend an incident in St Andrews.

“We dispatched two ambulances and our special operations team to the scene.

“We transported two patients to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.”

Dramatic photos from the scene showed the small boat being engulfed by waves as it disappeared beneath the surface of the sea while coastguard officers looked on from the harbour wall above.

Crews looking at the sinking vessel from the harbour wall above. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

The boat ran aground and disappeared below the waves. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Two casualties were recovered from the water. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Lifeboat crews from Broughty Ferry were called. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “We had a fishing vessel that went aground just outside the harbour.

“Two people were in the water and both were recovered safely.

“The Broughty Ferry lifeboat and inshore lifeboat, also from Broughty Ferry, were called as well as two coastguard teams, one from St Andrews and one from Leven.

“There was also a helicopter called.”