How the animal came to be in the water is a mystery and, with no escape from the harbour confines, the panicked deer began making her way out to sea.

The decision was taken to launch the inshore lifeboat and Mr Stewart, along with fellow crewmates Allan Russell and Derek Robertson, quickly caught up with the struggling animal.

“She was heading in the direction of the Bell Rock, away from dry land, when we got to her,” explained Allan.

“She didn’t come aboard too willingly, but there wasn’t a lot of strength left in her at that point.”

Indeed, the animal appeared to be suffering from exhaustion and the effects of cold from being in the water for so long.

Once aboard, the deer was covered in a blanket and kept still for the trip back to the harbour slipway.

SSPCA senior inspector Mark Lumgair was called and with the crewmates’ help the deer was safely transferred to the back of his van and taken to nearby Seaton woods for release.

“She was an adult hind and will be fine now she has been warmed up and safely released,” he said.

“Deer do swim although they tend to avoid water if they can. We have had reports before of deer swimming between Broughty Ferry and Tentsmuir.

“I don’t know how this one ended up in the harbour, she may have been frightened by something and panicked.

“It’s difficult to say, but at least she’s safe now.”