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Troon RNLI lifeboat launches after reports of a windsurfer in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

At 3.50pm on Thursday 25 November 2021, Belfast Coastguard activated the lifeboat crew pagers after reports of a windsurfer in difficulty within Barassie Bay.

Troon lifeboat 'RNLB Jim Moffat' on service within Barassie Bay

RNLI/Troonlifeboat

Troon lifeboat 'RNLB Jim Moffat' on service within Barassie Bay
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The volunteer crew made their way to the lifeboat station and RNLI Trent class all-weather lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat was launched. Ayr Coastguard Rescue Team were also tasked and made their way to Barassie to assist.

After leaving the harbour, the lifeboat was soon on scene but initially there was no trace of any windsurfers in difficulty. The crew started a search of the area, but after the Coastguard team spoke to some windsurfers on the shore, it was established that that no-one was in difficulty and that all persons were accounted for.

Within this information, the lifeboat crew and Coastguard team were stood down by Belfast Coastguard. The lifeboat then returned to the station where it was made ‘ready for service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.

Speaking after the callout, Troon Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond said ‘The member of the public did exactly the right thing by contacting the Coastguard after they thought they saw someone in trouble. Thankfully on this callout all persons were safe and this was a false alarm with good intent but it is better to let the Coastguard know just in case.

If you think you see someone in difficulty at sea or on the coast, you should always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

RNLI Media contacts:

Andrew Limond, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Troon Lifeboat Station, 01292 314414 [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07920 365929, [email protected]





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.

About the author

Andrew Limond
Lifeboat Press Officer, Troon Lifeboat Station

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