Fife coast incident: Coastguard helicopter launched after 'screams' heard along the coastline between Burntisland and Kinghorn

A major three-hour search operation was launched after reports of ‘screams’ and ‘flashing lights’ along the Fife coastline, but nothing has so far been found by rescue teams including a helicopter.

The search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick was sent to the scene at the Fife coastline.

HM coastguard teams from Kinghorn, Leven and South Queensferry alongside the Kinghorn RNLI were launched after a member of the public reported ‘screams’ on the shore between Burntisland and Kinghorn last night.

During a search of the Black Rock and Burntisland Bay, a group of youths located near the railway also confirmed they had made similar observations.

The search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick was also sent and residents witnessed the copter circling Burntisland beach at 1am.

The helicopter was tasked to complete a search of the Pettycur Sands area.

Coastguard rescue teams from Kinghorn Coastguard, South Queensferry Coastguard, and Leven & St Andrews Coastguard Teams were also tasked to search the shoreline.

Despite a three-hour search being carried out to investigate and locate the source of the scream, nothing has been found, HM Coastguard said.

A HM Coastguard spokesperson said: “On 6 August, HM Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public reporting screams along the coastline between Burntisland and Kinghorn.

"A search was carried out to investigate and locate the source of the scream. Nothing was found.”

HM Coastguard added that the search has been terminated pending further information.

A spokesperson from RNLI Lifeboat Kinghorn said: “Our team was called out at 2245 following a report of screams and flashing lights on the beach between the Black Rock and the railway at Burntisland.

“Arriving soon after launch, a search of the Black Rock and Burntisland Bay was carried out. A group of youths was located near the railway who also confirmed they had made similar observations.

"At this point, the search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick was tasked to complete a search of the Pettycur Sands area where we could not reach due to the shallow water and breaking waves.

"Meanwhile, the lifeboat searched between Burntisland and Pettycur as close in as possible.

"Coastguard rescue teams from Kinghorn Coastguard, South Queensferry Coastguard, and Leven & St Andrews Coastguard Teams were tasked to search the shoreline.

"After nearly three hours of searching and with nothing found, the search was stood down.

"Our team included Paul Stather, Mel McGarva, Kirstie Wibberley, Neil Chalmers, Scott McIlravie, Kim Chapman, Donnie Maclean, and Joanne Wibberley.”

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