Troon RNLI lifeboat launches after EPIRB activation off Largs

An EPIRB is a type of emergency beacon carried by vessels which can be activated when the vessel is in distress. The distress signals are passed to the relevant Coastguard maritime rescue coordination centre, which will task the nearest search and rescue teams.

While Belfast Coastguard made attempts to contact the vessel, Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter from Prestwick, Rescue 199, and Troon RNLI all-weather lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat all made their way to the scene.

While on route, it was confirmed by Belfast Coastguard that it was an accidental activation and the vessel was not in difficulty so the lifeboat crew and coastguard teams were stood down.

The lifeboat crew returned to station where the lifeboat was made ‘ready for service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.

RNLI Media contacts:

Andrew Limond, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Troon Lifeboat Station, 01292 314414 [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 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 142,700 lives.

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