Largs RNLI lifeboat launched to fishing vessel in distress
On Monday (February 21) volunteer crew were paged to the lifeboat station by the UK Coastguard following a report of a fishing vessel in difficulties.
The pagers of the volunteer crew at Largs RNLI sounded just after 7pm on Monday 21 February requesting that the crew assemble at the lifeboat station in response to an incident involving a fishing vessel which had caught its net around the anchor line of a cargo vessel at anchor.
The task of removing the trapped net proved to be a difficult task for the vessel’s crew and so the Largs RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched to ensure the safety of those trying free the net.
In the strong tide and darkness the fast response craft from the cargo vessel was deployed to allow the nets to be cut, eventually freeing the vessel. The fishing vessel was then assisted to harbour by a sister vessel and the cargo vessel went back to anchor.
Once the safety of all involved was established Largs lifeboat was released and returned to the boathouse, where Covid protocols were followed, the lifeboat was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
Just like the charity’s lifeboats, the RNLI’s retail team need a dedicated volunteer crew -people of all ages and abilities - who can give a little time to help save lives at sea.
At Largs RNLI we are currently looking for new shop volunteers to join our lifesaving team, more details can be found on our social media pages.
Lynsey Anderson, RNLI Community Manager said: ‘You can gain some invaluable skills and training whilst volunteering at a shop and become part of an incredible team.
‘If you enjoy meeting and interacting with people, are confident in handling money, it really is a role you will love.
‘The pandemic unfortunately hit our shops hard as they closed for periods of time in line with Covid-19 restrictions. We were delighted when we could reopen them safely in accordance with government guidance and are looking forward to welcoming our visitors in 2022. To do this successfully, we want to grow our team of shop volunteers and are looking for people who enjoy interacting with others, can help us to provide a high level of customer service and ensure our shops continue to be friendly and welcoming places.
‘If you find yourself in an emergency at the coast or see someone in difficulty on the water you should always 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.
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.