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Troon lifeboats launched to dinghy being blown out to sea

Lifeboats News Release

At 4.53pm on Monday 24 July 2017, both Troon lifeboats were requested to launch after reports of a dinghy with children on board being blown out to sea at Saltcoats.

Due to the nature of the incident, Belfast Coastguard immediately tasked the Trent class all-weather lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat, D Class inshore lifeboat Telford Shopping Centre, Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team​ as well as the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter Rescue 199 to the scene.

Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team were able to speak to the initial reporter and confirmed the location of the dinghy passing this to the lifeboats and the helicopter heading to the scene.

The Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter soon arrived overhead confirming that there were 4 adults on board the dinghy and they appeared to be fishing. The lifeboats were soon alongside with the lifeboat crew confirming that those in board were not in any difficulty.

As all were safe on board, the call was put down to a false alarm with good intent, so the lifeboats returned to Troon where they were made 'ready for service' with assistance of the shore crew.

If you think you see anyone in difficulty at sea or along the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI Media Contacts: Andrew Limond, volunteer lifeboat press officer at Troon, 01292 314414 [email protected]

Or Richard Smith, RNLI Public Relations Manager for Scotland on 01738 642956, 07786 668903 or [email protected]

Or Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026, [email protected]

Or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Andrew Limond
Lifeboat Press Officer, Troon Lifeboat Station

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