Dramatic Return for Dad at Largs RNLI
During a training session afloat volunteer crew at Largs RNLI were diverted to assist with a van on the rocks at Meigle Bay, Skermorlie.
On Wednesday 15 December at 8:30pm volunteer crew from Largs RNLI were requested by UK Coastguard to divert from training to attend an incident involving a van on the rocks at Meigle Bay, Skermorlie.
The Largs RNLI Atlantic 85 Lifeboat R.A. Wilson, helmed by RNLI Trainer Assessor Alasdair Young, had been at sea on exercise and had three of Largs volunteer crew onboard.
The lifeboat made best speed to the scene, along with Coastguard rescue Teams from Largs, Ardrossan and Greenock and other emergency services.
On arrival at Meigle Bay the decision was taken to send two crew members to shore to assist. The casualty was safely recovered from the vehicle by the Fire and Rescue Service and handed over to the Coastguard and Paramedics.
When it was confirmed no one else was involved the lifeboat was stood down and returned to the station. Covid protocols were followed, the lifeboat was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
For Paul Brodie, dad to six-year-old Aiden and two-year-old twins Matilda and Chester, this was the first call out since his return to Largs RNLI.
Paul first joined the volunteer crew in Largs in July 2017, taking a short break in 2019 following the birth of his twins. At that point with twins and another young child at home life became pretty hectic for Paul and his young family.
Training exercises are paramount and being part of the crew involves a lot of hard work and commitment. The crew on Wednesday night had been carrying out training on navigation and RADAR before they were diverted to the multi-agency incident.
Paul is delighted to be back on the crew, and said: ‘Being back on the boat is great, I’ve had a lot to cover training wise and it has been great to be able to put some of that training back into action.
‘I’ve always been interested in the work of the RNLI since I was a young boy. After watching the boat launches and reading the stories of the people who were rescued, I felt it was something I would like to be part of. I have found volunteering for the RNLI to be very rewarding.'
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and it’s volunteer crews are on call 24 hours a day, ready to leave their family and friends at a moment’s notice to help those in need.
If you see someone at risk or in difficulty along the coast or at sea dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.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
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