Troon RNLI launches for patient transfer following Storm Boelo
Lifeboats News Release
At 5pm on Sunday 25 October 2026, the pagers of the volunteer lifeboat crew were activated by Belfast Coastguard following a request from the Scottish Ambulance Service to transfer medical staff to the Isle of Cumbrae.
Following Storm Boelo, and due to the weather conditions on scene, all other conventional methods were deemed unsuitable and so the Ambulance contacted the Coastguard for assistance.
After consultation with the Duty Launch Authority, the lifeboat crew attended at the lifeboat station and Troon RNLI all-weather Shannon class lifeboat
RNLB Roy Barker VI was soon launched into strong winds gusting 60 knots, rain, poor visibility and rough seas towards Largs Yacht Haven where the medical staff were assembling.
Shortly after 6pm, the lifeboat arrived in Largs where the Emergency Medical Retrieval team were taken aboard the lifeboat. The team were transported to Millport where they attended at the Lady Margaret Hospital to assess the patient.
The lifeboat crew then remained at Millport Pier awaiting an update from the medical team.
Following assessment, about 8.30pm the patient was transferred to the all-weather lifeboat by Ambulance along with the medical team. The lifeboat crew were able to provide assistance as the all-weather lifeboat made its way back to Largs Yacht Haven.
Once within the marina, with the assistance of the lifeboat crew and Largs Coastguard Rescue Team, the patient was transferred to Ambulance for transportation to hospital.
About 8.45pm, the lifeboat crew were then able to make their way back to Troon arriving at 10.20pm where, with the assistance of the shore crew, the all-weather lifeboat was made ready for service with assistance of the shore crew.
Troon RNLI Launch Authority Jim Young said, ‘My thanks to all the lifeboat crew who professionally, safely and successfully completed tonights callout in horrible weather conditions and to the shore crew who ably assisted the operation.
‘I have no doubt that your sterling efforts were greatly appreciated by the coastguard, ambulance service and of course the patient.’
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Andrew Limond, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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