Largs RNLI launch to multiple shouts in one day

As, at the time the occupants were in no danger and Due to the state of the tide at the time it was decided the best time to be on scene would be 9.00pm. however, as the crew assembled at 8.00pm. the situation had worsened.

The lifeboat crew proceeded to the scene, where, on arrival they found the three persons to be safely on shore while the helmsman of the lifeboat carefully assessed the situation, due to the weather conditions North East Winds 6-7 with rough seas, as there was no life in danger it was decided to leave the vessel where it was.

The lifeboat returned to station where both the boat and the crew would undertake the COVID 19 decontamination procedure.

Having completed the procedure, refuelled and re-housed the boat the crew were about to leave for home when a second request was received to assist two vessels reported to be in difficulties in nearby Fairlie.

The volunteer crew once again launched and were soon on scene where a 23’ yacht had been attempting to pick up his mooring buoy when the line became entangled round the yacht’s keel.

Meantime the skipper had taken to the vessel’s inflatable dinghy and was making an effort to free the line, the lifeboat crew noted he was not wearing a lifejacket and was advised to go back on board his vessel and put one on, which he did .

Also on board the yacht was one other person who, with no boating experience, was becoming nervous and requested to be transferred to the lifeboat which was the safest place for him. A lifeboat volunteer crew member boarded the yacht to give assistance.

The lifeboat helmsman ordered a line to be attached to the yacht in order to take the strain from the mooring line allowing it to become free, this display of excellent seamanship was proved to be successful as the line became clear.

Sea conditions were rough and in addition it was dark making it difficult to locate the mooring buoy, the lifeboat helm asked the yacht skipper to test his engine and steering was in working order enabling him to approach his mooring under his own power, meantime the lifeboat, in the dark, located the mooring and acted as a marker giving the yacht a visual point to aim for, as this next manoeuvre was taking place a line went round the yachts propeller causing the yacht to drift towards a rocky outcrop, the lifeboat then moved in to take the vessel in tow, as it did so , the lifeboat volunteer crewman on board the yacht managed to free the line.

Again the lifeboat located the mooring buoy, as the yacht had no lights the lifeboat illuminated the area and the yacht was made secure.

The lifeboat crew then escorted the skipper in his inflatable to shore and landed the second person, both were unharmed and none the worse for their experience, they were then handed over into the care of the local Coastguard rescue Team.

The lifeboat returned to station and the previously completed COVID-19 decontamination procedures carried out again. The volunteer crew were able to go home at midnight.

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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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.