Yacht trio 'could not work radio'

Forth Coastguard coordinated the rescue

Three people who were rescued from a yacht in thick fog had set sail without knowing how to work the radio system.

The two men and one woman were "very lucky" to have been rescued from the Lady Marion on Saturday night, said a spokesman for Forth Coastguard.

The trio had planned to sail from Pittenweem to Anstruther, but their engine failed shortly after setting off when fog descended.

He said no-one could work the radio, so a mobile phone was used to get help.

They telephoned for help shortly after 1930 BST and Anstruther lifeboat was launched, assisted by St Andrews voluntary lifeboat team.

Signs of hypothermia

The three people on the Lady Marion were unable to give details of their whereabouts, but the Border Jouster, a passing coaster, located the troubled yacht on his radar and directed rescuers.

The yacht was found one mile off the coast of Elie - about six miles from where the crew thought they were.

The three people were back on dry land shortly after 2215 BST.

The spokesman said: "The lady on board was jittery and shivery when the lifeboat reached the yacht and was showing early signs of hypothermia."

"She was checked out by the ambulance and was fine. But they were very lucky the passing coaster was listening to the communications and was able to spot them on their radar.

"There was 20 yards visibility at best and they were drifting all over the place.

"If it had been much longer, I'm sure at least one of the crew would have had hypothermia."