EMERGENCY services were called out yesterday (Saturday) afternoon after two men and a dog became trapped in the water near the former Cockenzie Power Station.

Firefighters and volunteers from Kinghorn's RNLI crew received a call at about 1.30pm after reports that the dog had fallen over the seawall and into the water.

While on route to the incident, the RNLI crew from Fife were advised that two men had entered the water in a bid to rescue the animal.

Firefighters managed to lift the dog ashore but the two men were still stranded and were inaccessible from the land.

Megan Davidson, trainee helm with the RNLI crew, said: "We arrived to find the two casualties stuck on rocks at the base of the seawall with an incoming tide.

"The fire service had lowered ropes and lifejackets to the two males but were unable to lift them to safety over the wall which was three to four metres high.

"We were able to get close to the wall in the shallow water and each casualty was lifted into the lifeboat.

"Both were taken to Cockenzie harbour where they were checked by an ambulance crew and reunited with the dog.

"In these situations we would always recommend not entering the water and calling for help whilst keeping the stranded animal in sight.

"We appreciate that you don’t wish to see your pet in difficulty but they invariably manage to get out themselves."

Anyone who spots someone in trouble on the coast should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

UK Coastguard has a multitude of resources they can call on, including RNLI lifeboats.