It became evident shortly very 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. 
Tayside Police were also informed.

By 2.23pm the helicopter was on scene and with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation still being undertaken, the man was airlifted by the helicopter crew to Ninewells hospital, situated on the western outskirts of Dundee. The accident and emergency department were alerted and made ready to receive the casualty.

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.  We do not know yet of this mans current condition.

'Sea temperatures are around 10 – 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.'