Largs lifeboat launch to a reported capsized vessel.

The reported casualty was said to be in an area South of Toward Lighthouse where a red flare was said to have been seen earlier.
A Coastguard helicopter and their shore based rescue team were also in attendance.
The entire area was thoroughly searched by all units, after an extensive search there was no one to be seen, however,nearby there is a large yellow buoy with black markings which from a distance could easily have been mistaken for a capsized vessel , this buoy was thought to be the reported casualty.
As no one was found to be in difficulty all units were stood down and returned to their respective bases.
This type of call out is considered to be a false alarm with good intent.
Lifeboat crews would always rather be there and not needed, than not be there when needed.

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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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