Troon RNLI lifeboat launched to assist yacht with engine failure
At 9.05pm on Sunday 10 August 2020, Belfast Coastguard requested the launch of Troon RNLI all-weather and inshore lifeboats following a mobile phone call from a person onboard a yacht reporting that they had suffered engine failure 3 miles from Troon harbour.
The volunteer crew were paged and Trent class lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat along with D class inshore lifeboat
Sheena were soon launched on service to assist.
On arrival at the estimated position, the yacht could not be located. Communication could not be made with the vessel and so, while Belfast Coastguard carried out some enquiries, a search was undertaken by the all-weather and inshore lifeboats. As darkness fell, a possible contact was located on radar by the crew of the all-weather lifeboat and the lifeboat made best speed to this position.
As the all-weather lifeboat approached the vessel, near the Heads of Ayr, it was confirmed to be the yacht and a tow was established back to Troon yacht haven.
Shortly after midnight, the yacht was berthed alongside in the yacht haven with the assistance of the Ayr Coastguard Team. The lifeboats then returned to the berth where they were made ‘ready for service’ with assistance of the shore crew.
Troon RNLI lifeboat Coxswain Joe Millar said: 'If you are heading out on a boat please plan ahead, check weather and tides before you leave.
‘Check your engine before you go, ensuring you have the right spares, tools and fuel.
‘Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
‘And if you get into trouble at sea, contact the Coastguard via VHF Ch 16 or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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]
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.
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