Largs RNLI Volunteers Provide Back to Back Assistance in Two Call-outs
The crew of Largs Atlantic class lifeboat were called upon twice in as many hours yesterday (Wednesday 4 August) when two separate casualties required assistance on the water.
In the first incident just after 7pm, the volunteers went to the aid of three people on board their motor boat which was having engine troubles. Once on scene it was established that, although there was an auxiliary motor aboard, it too was inoperable. It was decided that the safest option was to tow the boat and casualties to Largs Yacht Haven.
Immediately after safely berthing of the first casualty vessel, the lifeboat volunteers were diverted to a second casualty, another boat, with three people on board, experiencing engine problems.
Once alongside the vessel, found sitting at anchor off Hunterston Jetty, the lifeboat crew learned that the boat had only recently re-floated on the tide having grounded earlier in the day. Given the busy industrial location it was deemed most suitable to tow the boat back to Largs Yacht Haven where they could check their boat and seek repairs.
Referring to the incident, Largs volunteer, Brian Rankin, said:
‘Motorboating is one of the most popular pastimes on our coastline and it is important that water users know what can go wrong and how to react when it does. Having an emergency action plan is hugely important for keeping you and your passengers safe should you get into difficulty. Carrying a well maintained auxiliary outboard engine will keep you moving whilst seeking further assistance and performing regular maintenance checks will keep you abreast of any developing issues before setting sail.’
With the both vessel and their crew safely ashore at Largs Yacht Haven the lifeboat returned to station where the boat and shore crew volunteers washed and refuelled the lifeboat making it ready for continued 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.
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.