Second weekend shout for Largs Lifeboat
Largs lifeboat launch to an immediate launch request.
In this case at 3.22 pm. for the second time this weekend Largs lifeboat volunteers launched in response to an urgent request.
One 28' motor cruiser with 2 persons on board was found, aground On the West side of Little Cumbrae Island.
Crew members from the lifeboat boarded the stricken vessel in order to check for any damage that may have taken place, none was found.
Since the vessel was deemed to be watertight it was safe to attach a line and pull it clear of the rocks.
When clear, a tow to Millport was undertaken where the vessel and her 2 occupants were handed to the shore based Coast Guard Rescue Team as the lifeboat returned to station.
Initially the occupants of the grounded vessel used a mobile phone to call the Largs Lifeboat Shop which was open at the time, the ladies in the shop advised the couple to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard which of course is the correct procedure in an emergency.
It is recommended that all vessels should carry a VHF radio for use in such circumstances, calling for assistance and alerting other vessels in the area of their plight.
Mobile phones can not be relied upon for this purpose as they depend on a clear line of sight to work, the coastal terrain does not always allow for that line of sight.
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.