This is the dramatic moment a lifeboat battles through thick fog to rescue a stranded fisherman.

Crews from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) were alerted on November 7 to carry out a long-range medical evacuation of a seriously ill angler around 60 nautical miles east-north-east of Fraserburgh.

The all-weather Trent class lifeboat Willie and May Gall launched at 11:20 am after a request from the UK Coastguard, following a call from the fishing vessel's skipper asking for urgent medical assistance.

Severe fog in the area prevented the use of a helicopter.

Coxswain Vic Sutherland quickly assembled a volunteer crew, briefing them on the long journey and poor visibility. On board were Mechanic Declan Sutherland and crew members Stephen Brown, Stewart Gray, Scott Leye, Grant Morrison, and Dave Sutherland.

The lifeboat left harbour at full speed in sunny but misty conditions, soon encountering thick fog that made navigation highly demanding.

Despite the challenging conditions, the vessel was located, and the skipper, though in severe pain, was able to transfer onto the lifeboat unaided.

Coxswain Vic Sutherland said: 'This was a significant journey in difficult conditions. The weather ruled out the use of a helicopter in some areas due to severe fog, so it was important that we reached the casualty as quickly and safely as possible.

'Visibility became extremely poor on the return leg, requiring a constant, extreme vigil from all the crew to ensure a safe passage home.'

The lifeboat returned to Fraserburgh harbour, where the fisherman was handed over to a waiting ambulance for further treatment.

The RNLI saves lives at sea through its 24-hour search and rescue services around the UK and Ireland. With 238 lifeboat stations and over 240 lifeguard units across the UK and the Channel Islands, its volunteers are dedicated to maritime safety.