The RNLI has issued a strong warning about being intoxicated at sea after an Angus man in a fishing boat required a lifeboat rescue.
Liam Balneaves, from Kirriemuir, became stranded after he took a boat from Montrose Harbour during the hours of darkness.
The 26-year-old admitted a charge of causing danger to himself and lifeboat personnel by his reckless actions on July 31 last year when he appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court.
The case prompted Michael Avril, the RNLI’s community incident reduction manager in Scotland, to issue a warning about people taking to sea after drinking.
He said: “We all know that consumption of alcohol can quickly impair judgment and cause us to make irrational decisions.
“It can also result in accelerated loss of body heat if you become immersed in water. We would advise anyone going near the water to steer clear of alcohol.”
Co-accused Paul Ross, 38, of Tolmount Crescent, Montrose, had a not guilty plea accepted on the same charge.
Defence agent Ian Flynn said Balneaves was a New Zealand national who now lived in Angus and who appeared in court as a first offender.
Sentence was deferred until September 11 by Sheriff Pino Di Emidio who ordered a social work report. Balneaves was granted bail to his home in Victoria Street.
At a previous court appearance, both men had pledged £300 each to the lifeboat charity.
Depute fiscal Jim Eodonable said: “I’d like it to be clear that the estimated cost of the launch is the value of fuel and labour only. The cost of launching the Montrose lifeboat itself would be far higher.”
The RNLI is running a campaign called Respect the Water, warning the public to be safe after 150 people drowned in Scotland over the past four years.
A RNLI spokesman added: “Our volunteers are willing and able to go to the aid of those in trouble at sea 24/7, but the most effective method of life-saving we have is prevention.
“We would prefer people to use good judgment, follow advice and avoid getting themselves into an unnecessarily dangerous situation.”