Lifesavers who saved a duck in distress from becoming a feathery fatality have been honoured by a national animal charity.
Anstruther Lifeboat crew members rushed to the rescue of the bird which was tangled in a fisherman’s line. They carefully freed the mallard, who had a hook stuck in her wing and near her head, and she flew away apparently unharmed.
After hearing of the drama, which was captured on film, PETA has given the RNLI crew its Hero to Animals Award.
The charity’s associate director Mimi Bekhechi said: “By remaining calm and determined, the lifeboat crew saved the life of a terrified animal who may have been within minutes of drowning.
“Anstruther and the surrounding communities are fortunate to have public servants who are willing to put their own safety on the line to protect all residents, including wildlife.”
It was almost a month ago that the bird became wrapped in the line at Anstruther pier.
The lifeboat crew was returning from an exercise when members heard a fisherman calling for help.
The bird kept diving down into the sea trying to escape but the fisherman was reluctant to cut the line, knowing that it was tangled up.
One crew member, Stuart Hoggan managed to grab the duck, while helmsman William Wood held its beak and George Hodge cut the line and removed the hooks.