Concerned onlooker raises the alarm to Largs RNLI

Approximately 1.5 miles off the coast of Largs, a small leisure craft had lost power and it's occupants were rowing to safety. With a freshening offshore wind hampering their efforts, a concerned member of the public flagged the need for help to Lifeboat Operations Manager, John Griffiths, who happened to be near the lifeboat station at the time.

John made the call to the UK Coastguard and the volunteer crew were tasked to help.

Commenting on the rescue, John said: 'I thanked the member of the public and advised them that if they see someone in difficulty, to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

The lifeboat aided the vessel ashore and was refuelled and made ready for service.

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.