Atrocious weather meant a busy weekend for Largs lifeboat volunteers
Largs lifeboat and her volunteer crew members sprang into action on three separate occasions over the weekend.
The first launch took place on Saturday at 2.40pm to a yacht which broadcast a Mayday message requiring immediate assistance due to engine overheating problems.
The lifeboat launched in very blustery conditions, South West wind Force 7.
As the lifeboat proceeded to the area two miles south of Little Cumbrae Island, information was received that an MFV (Motor Fishing Vessel) had also responded to the Mayday and now had the 10 meter yacht under tow.
The tow was passed to the Largs lifeboat, a difficult operation given the sea conditions, the MFV proceeded on passage leaving the lifeboat to tow the yacht to Largs Yacht Haven where assistance was provided in securing the vessel and landing her five occupants.
The second service was around 1.00pm on Sunday, again in response to a Mayday call from a yacht which had been dismasted.
The volunteer crew launched the lifeboat and proceeded again to an area South West of Little Cumbrae, during the passage the lifeboat received information that a Cumbrae Water sport Centre RIB
(Rigid Inflatable Boat) had responded to the Mayday and taken the yacht in tow, having confirmed the two occupants were well and in no danger the lifeboat returned to station allowing the RIB to continue the tow to Largs Yacht Haven.
Only two hours later a third call was received to a report of two people in the water in West Bay Millport.
Minutes after the lifeboat was launched it was advised that the two persons involved had made their way back to shore and were in no danger.
The lifeboat returned to station to be made ready for her next service.
Media contacts:
Alasdair Woods, Largs volunteer lifeboat press officer, 07860 632524, email [email protected]
Richard Smith, Public Relations Manager for Scotland, 07786 668903, email [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
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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