Girvan RNLI launched to sinking pleasure boat with five on board
Five people were plucked from the water as their boat sank last evening (Saturday 6 August).
At 6.48pmGirvan RNLI lifeboat’s volunteer crew's pagers were activated by Belfast Coastguard in response to a 999 call to a 16ft vessel with five persons on board that had lost propulsion and was taking on water near Ailsa Craig in worsening sea conditions.
This was the first shout for Girvan RNLI's relief all-weather lifeboat Pride and Spirit and within seven minutes the lifeboat and volunteer crew were making best speed towards the last reported position near the iconic volcanic plug Ailsa Craig, which lies some 10.2 miles from Girvan in the Firth Of Clyde.
Also tasked to the incident were Campbeltown RNLI lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 999.
The helicopter arrived moments prior to Girvan lifeboat just as the vessel sank and as the lifeboat came upon the scene the final casualty was winched from the water.
The casualties were checked over by on board paramedics on the way back to Girvan and despite being wet and cold they appeared healthy and in good spirits, and did not require further medical attention.
Girvan RNLI all-weather lifeboat remained on scene to retrieve the floating debris from the sunken boat before making its way back to Girvan, whilst Campbletown were stood down.
The Coastguard helicopter landed at McCreath Park where it was met by Girvan Coastguard Rescue Team and Police Scotland, the casualties were then taken to the Coastguard station before returning home.
Girvan Lifeboat arrived back in Girvan at 8.15pm, where it was refuelled and made ready for service.
Girvan RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Gourlay said: 'Although the vessel was lost, five lives were saved in this instance and another few minutes and it could have been a very different outcome.'
More information about sea safety can be located at the RNLI’S #Respectthewater website www.respectthewater.com
Media contacts:
For more information please contact Girvan RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Craig Sommerville on 07411 276383 or 01465 712197.
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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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