A distress flare sparked a major rescue mission on the Moray Firth off Portknockie on Sunday afternoon.
The flare was released when a 25-foot yacht found itself in trouble near the Moray coastal village – it is understood that it suffered from a mechanical breakdown.
A passing speedboat responded when the distress flare was spotted at around 1.30pm and managed to get a line on board the stricken vessel and tow it into Portknockie Harbour.
The yacht was crewed by one man when it broke down and he is understood to have suffered no injuries.
Buckie Lifeboat ‘William Blannin’ was called out to respond to the incident but was not required to assist.