Girvan Lifeboat launched to capsized vessel

Girvan Lifeboat launched to capsized vessel.

At 14:09 Sunday 13th June Girvan lifeboat was requested for immediate launch to reports of a capsized small vessel off Ballantrae Harbour with reported persons in the water.

Girvan lifeboat and our volunteer crew were soon making best speed South, with Ballantrae and Girvan Coastguard Rescue Teams heading to the scene, Coastguard Rescue helicopter R199 was also tasked.

P&O's European Causeway ferry also diverted and stood by off Ballantrae Harbour ready to render assistance.

Girvan Lifeboat arrived at the location along with Rescue 199 just moments after a local boat had recovered the casualties and who were now with the Coastguard Teams and being checked over, with concerns for the health of the casualties, one of whom appeared to to showing symptoms of being hypothermic, preparations were being made for a landing of the helicopter, as the helicopter began its descent, the ambulance arrived and the casualties were swiftly placed in the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service Paramedics, with this and no further danger to life, both Girvan Lifeboat and Rescue 199 were stood down.

Girvan Lifeboat and her volunteer crew returned to Girvan where the lifeboat was made ready for the next service call.

In this instance there happened to be a local lad and his father that lived nearby who were able to assist launching their boat and going to help before any assets arrived on scene, well done to the pair for their swift action in assisting the casualties and local Coastguard Teams and also to the individuals who recognised that the casualties were in trouble and made that all important 999 call.

Well done to all the individuals in the village from making that 999 call, to individuals heading out in their own boat to rescue the casualties, your actions made a difference today with 2 lives saved.

If you see someone in difficulty at sea or on the coast, don't wait dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

You too can help save lives at sea by helping us, you can donate directly to Girvan Lifeboat here.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/girvan-rnli-fundraising-branch-2021

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.

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