The two boys got into difficulty off Anstruther harbour wall

The dangers of the new craze of "tomb stoning" have been highlighted after two boys were "nearly killed" jumping off Anstruther harbour on Wednesday.

The two youths, aged 11 an 12, got into difficulties while jumping during gale force conditions at about 1630 BST.

Fife Coastguard said the boys from Pittenweem were lucky to be alive.

If these boys hadn't had quite so much luck they could have certainly died as the conditions meant the waves were 12ft, which even an Olympic swimmer would not have been able to make headway in John Mayston Forth Coastguard watch officer

John Mayston, Forth Coastguard watch officer, said the boys were washed ashore after being swept into an area that was "treacherous and full of sharp rocks".

He said: "Tomb stoning has become a major problem in this area, which is of great concern.

"We condemn this activity and would urge children not to pursue such a dangerous past-time.

Safety ring

"If these boys hadn't had quite so much luck they could have certainly died as the conditions meant the waves were 12ft, which even an Olympic swimmer would not have been able to make headway in. These boys were almost sucked out to sea."

He added that, fortunately for the boys, a safety ring was thrown to them and they were able to scramble to safety.

Mr Mayston said: "The trouble with this activity is that it requires the participants to jump into the crest of swell in rough sea conditions. Currents and sharp rocks mean this is very dangerous.

"We have also been called out to incidents following tomb stoning at Granton harbour."