Surf Cat

A glowing tribute has been paid to a firefighter who died in a horror kitesurfing accident off the Scottish coast.

Raymond Cheng was pronounced dead at the scene of the tragedy near Elie in Fife on Wednesday.

Last night many of the 42-year-old father-of-one’s colleagues posted a thin red line on their Facebook profile pages as a tribute to the popular firefighter.

Raymond – whose profile picture is a stunning image of a kitesurfer about to enter the waves – is survived by his wife and young daughter.

In an official statement, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer Martin Blunden said last night: “Firefighter Raymond Cheng was a friend and valued colleague who served and protected communities for 15 years.

“Our thoughts are with Raymond’s family, friends and colleagues at Kingsway East Fire Station in Dundee at this very sad and difficult time.

“Our flags will remain lowered to half-mast until sunset on Thursday, September 12, as a mark of condolence and deepest respect.”

The drama unfolded after reports that a watersports enthusiast had been seriously injured in an accident at Largo Bay on the East Neuk.

Coastguard crews from Leven and Kinghorn as well as a lifeboat from Anstruther raced to the scene.

Police, ambulance and fire crews also attended as well as a trauma team and helimed air ambulance that landed at the Elie Holiday Park.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police Scotland can confirm that a 42-year-old man has died while kite surfing near Leven.

“Emergency services were made aware of the incident shortly after 12.10pm on Wednesday.

“Sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“His next of kin are aware.

“There are no apparent suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.”

Largo Bay is a popular spot for thrill seekers with ideal wind conditions for most water sports.

Kitesurfing is often described as an action sport that combines snowboarding, windsurfing and paragliding into one skill.

Kitesurfers harness the power of the wind with a large controllable power kite that’s attached to a body harness to be propelled across the water.

Experts can reach up to 40mph across the water and make jumps in excess of 20 metres high.