Police are appealing for help to try identify a swimmer found unconscious in the sea near St Andrews.
A member of the public raised the alarm at around 8.25pm on Monday, prompting a major emergency response.
The man was recovered from the water by the Coastguard and airlifted to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
It is understood the man may have suffered a cardiac arrest while swimming.
Enquiries to identify the man are on-going and investigators have released a description of clothing and items found on the shoreline.
The man is described as being 5ft 3in tall and aged between 50 and 70-years-old with a tanned complexion and grey and black hair.
He had slight stubble, blue eyes and did not have tattoos.
Items recovered from the beach include a beach towel, a pink Cotton Traders polo shirt, a pair of George at Asda sunglasses and a pair of white Lonsdale trainers in a size six.
Eye-witness Innes Muir, an 18-year-old St Andrews resident, said he noticed a hive of police activity in the area at around 9pm.
He told how he saw two lifeboats, two ambulances, at least five patrol cars on the road and a number of CID vehicles.
He added: “The ambulances remained on the scene for at least an hour.
“Coastguard vehicles were also sitting nearby, along with an incident response vehicle.
“The police would not say what had happened, they were stopping cars and people from travelling down the pier road.”
Detective Inspector Christopher Mill of North East Fife CID said: “Our inquiries continue to establish the identity of the man and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have information that can assist us.”
Anyone who can assist with inquiries is asked to call 101.