Early evening call out for Largs RNLI to yacht aground

On arrival at the lifeboat station the volunteer crew were advised they were to make best speed to Millport Bay, Isle of Cumbrae, to assist a 29 foot yacht with three persons on board aground on one of the small Islands.

The crew launched their Atlantic 85 Inshore lifeboat, R A Wilson and made best speed to the yacht's last provided position. Shortly before arrival the crew were advised that the yacht had managed to free itself and had motored to a temporary mooring buoy in the bay. Largs volunteer crew were requested to still proceed and provide any required assistance.

Once on scene a crew member from the lifeboat boarded the yacht and checked all visible areas for any damage or water ingress.

Whilst the inspection was taking place the lifeboat helm advised the owner that as the buoy they were moored too was temporary, it would be best if possible, the yacht motored to Largs Yacht Haven as they would be safer in there overnight. The owner agreed this was the safest option.

With this the yacht was escorted under its own power by the lifeboat to Largs Yacht Haven where it was met by members of Largs Coastguard Rescue team who were out on a training exercise and offered assistance to moor the vessel alongside a pontoon.

With the vessel now moored safely alongside and after grateful thanks from the owner and the other two occupants, the lifeboat was released from service and returned to station where it was refuelled and made ready for the next service call.

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.