Two call outs for Troon lifeboat crew
At 7.21pm on Wednesday 27 September 2017, Belfast Coastguard paged the lifeboat crew to launch the all-weather and inshore lifeboats to assist in a multi-agency search of the River Ayr for a possible person in the water.
The lifeboat crew assembled at the station launching Trent class all-weather lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat and D Class inshore lifeboat Telford Shopping Centre to assist.
After arriving on scene, a search was undertaken by the volunteer crew alongside other emergency services including Police, Fire & Rescue, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Ayr and Ardrossan as well as the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter from Prestwick.
While searching the river, further information came through from the coastguard teams that an object had been recovered from the water that had been mistaken for a person by the initial reporter. Due to this, the crew stood down and returned to Troon satisfied that the call was a false alarm with good intent.
On arrival back at Troon, the all-weather lifeboat was then tasked by Belfast Coastguard to assist Arran inshore lifeboat with a fishing vessel without steering approximately half a mile off the coast of Corrie.
Arran inshore lifeboat, Atlantic 85 Rachel Hedderwick quickly located the 40ft vessel however it soon became apparent that repairs would not be possible at sea meaning that the vessel would need to be towed to a safe harbour. Due to worsening conditions on scene, the Arran lifeboat crew requested the assistance of the Troon all weather lifeboat.
With a new tasking, the all-weather lifeboat left Troon and made best speed to assist the Arran crew. Arriving on scene the Trent class lifeboat took over the tow and towed the fishing vessel into Brodick bay. Once in the shelter of the bay, Arran inshore lifeboat resumed the tow and secured the fishing vessel to a mooring.
With the fishing vessel secured, the all-weather lifeboat returned to Troon where it was refueled and made ‘ready for service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.
RNLI Media Contacts: Andrew Limond, volunteer lifeboat press officer at Troon, 01292 314414 [email protected]
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.