Largs lifeboat launches to an elderly couple in a yacht

At 4.55am Largs RNLI volunteer crew pagers went off as UK coastguards requested they launch to an elderly couple in a 28 foot yacht as they were giving rise for concern .
The couple had earlier set sail from Ardrishaig on Loch Gilp for Ardrossan which was believed to be their home port.
During their voyage they had been, on a number of occasions, in radio contact with coastguards, as the night progressed coastguards became concerned for their safety, as the couple neared Ardrossan, they seemed to be becoming very tired and confused.
By this time the yacht, a Westerly Longbow type had suffered engine or mechanical failure and the couple were unable to enter the harbour.
Largs lifeboat was soon on scene and escorted the yacht & her elderly crew to the safety of the harbour.
As all was well and no harm had come to the couple the lifeboat returned to station at 7.00am in good time for the volunteers to go to their day jobs.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.