A 52-year-old man has died after he fell overboard from a fishing boat.

Forth Coastguard were contacted at 1.22pm after the man fell from the fishing vessel Optik west of the Bell Rock Lighthouse off the coast of St Andrews.

The man was airlifted to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee at around 2.22pm. A Marine and Coastguard Agency spokesman said: "It became evident shortly afterwards that after spending a short time in the water he had been recovered to the deck of the boat, but was in a poor way and needed urgent medical attention.

"Arbroath RNLI lifeboat were immediately asked to respond and a rescue helicopter R131 from RAF Boulmer was scrambled to the scene. The small fishing vessel then began its journey back towards the mainland with one crewman steering whilst the other cared for the recovered man."

Angus McIver, Watch Manager at Forth Coastguard, said: "Fortunately the weather has not been too poor this afternoon with white cloud and a temperature of 8 degrees Celsius locally which aided a swift recovery.

"Sea temperatures are around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius at this time of year and any immersion can be dangerous. Unfortunately we understand this man was not wearing a lifejacket when he went into the water and we urge all working fishermen to make sure their buoyancy aids are in date and in use."

A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said the man's next of kin had been informed. The spokeswoman said: "Tayside Police can confirm that earlier this afternoon a 52-year-old male whilst fishing in the vicinity of the Bell Rock Lighthouse fell overboard into the water.

"His colleague immediately alerted nearby fishing boats who attended in the area to assist the male. The male was pulled aboard and with the assistance of the Coastguard he was subsequently airlifted to Ninewells Hospital, Dundee where sadly he later died."

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have been informed and will be arriving in Arbroath tomorrow to carry out an investigation into the circumstances of the death.

A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.