A man was pulled from a 'raging river' amid Storm Franklin after his 'cries' were heard by brave volunteers.
The man fell into the Water of Girvan, also known as the River Girvan, between his boat and a wooden jetty on Monday, February 21.
Just after 7pm crews at nearby RNLI Girvan station heard 'cries for help' from the jetty and scrambled into action.
Volunteers found the man 'clinging on by his fingertips' to the jetty against 'raging torrents' caused by Storm Franklin.
Some officers grabbed the 'exhausted' man and 'held on for dear life against the current' while others put life rings down before he was hauled from the water.
Crews believe that had they arrived a few minutes later, the man would have been swept away and 'no one would have known it happened'.
Images from the scene show the Scottish Ambulance Service in attendance.
RNLI Girvan confirmed the man was rushed to Ayr Hospital for treatment.
His age, the nature of his injuries and current medical condition are not known at this time.
The exact circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been confirmed.
Girvan Lifeboat Coxwain Callum Govus said: "The casualty was extremely lucky this evening in the fact we happened to be there at the time and were able to get to him so quickly.
"Having been in the freezing water for a total of 15 minutes, the gentleman after falling between his large boat and the jetty into the water, had been washed through under the jetty by the raging river and had managed to cling on by his fingertips at the other side of the jetty in the harbour in total darkness.
"Potentially if we had been another few minutes heading out the door to training this man would have been swept away by the current out the pier end with the river in spate and no one would have known it had happened.
"I commend the crew for their quick actions and training that kicked in which resulted in a life saved this evening.
"We wish the casualty a speedy recovery."
HM Coastguard confirmed they were called to the harbour at 7.30pm and sent two rescue teams.
A spokeswoman told the Record: "At approximately 7.30pm yesterday, February 21 HM Coastguard received a report of a man in the water at Girvan Harbour.
"Coastguard Rescue Teams from Ballantrae and Girvan were sent, alongside the Girvan RNLI, to rescue the casualty and pass him into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service."
A Police Scotland spokesman told the Record officers were not called to the scene.
The Scottish Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment.
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