Two Launches for Largs Lifeboat.
The volunteer RNLI crewmembers were called upon twice on Friday (02/06) to assist two vessels who indicated they were in distress.
The first launch at 2.20pm was at the request of UK coastguard to a motor cruiser having activated an orange smoke distress flare in the Largs Channel about 0.5nmiles SW of the lifeboat station. Arriving onscene it was found that the CalMac ferry was standing by the casualty which had one person onboard.
The casualty had lost power and could potentially drift The situation was assessed by the lifeboat crew and the decision made to tow the casualty to nearest safe haven. The vessel was taken to Largs Yacht Haven and assistance rendered in berthing the casualty provided by the lifeboat crew.
The lifeboat then returned to Station and , following Covid protocols,was rehoused at 4.14pm
At 4.16pm a request from the UK coastguard was received to launch to assist a 40 foot vessel which had broadcast a Mayday distress message.(A Mayday call indicates there is an immediate danger to life.)
The lifeboat proceeded to the area at best possible speed and located the casualty, with three persons onboard, which had engine problems and was becalmed in the benign weather conditions.
Following assessment of the situation it was decided to tow the vessel to Largs Yacht Haven. This was complete and following assistance in berthing the craft within the Haven, the lifeboat returned to Station where the lifeboat was rehoused at 7.00pm.
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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