Largs RNLI lifeboat launched to assist lone yachtsman.
At 5:43pm on Saturday 19 March 2022, the Operations Manager of Largs Lifeboat Station received a call from UK Coastguard asking for the boat to launch to assist a lone yachtsman off Skelmorlie.
On arriving at the lifeboat station, the volunteer crew were advised that the yacht had suffered engine failure and was trying to return to Helensburgh under sail, due to the wind state he was having difficulty making any headway.
The crew launched the Atlantic 85 Inshore lifeboat, R A Wilson and made best speed to the yachts last provided position. After a short passage the crew arrived on-scene.
After talking to the yachtsman, it was agreed the best plan was to take the yacht under tow to Inverkip Marina, with this information passed to the UK Coastguard, a volunteer crewmember went aboard the yacht to assist the owner in getting his sails down and setting up a tow.
On arrival at Inverkip Marina the yacht was met by members of Greenock Coastguard Rescue team and secured safely alongside one of the pontoons.
After stowing all lines, the lifeboat helm advised the UK Coastguard that the lifeboat was returning to station. On arrival back at the lifeboat station, the crew refuelled and washed down the lifeboat and made ready for the next Service call.
Following this call out, Lifeboat Operations Manager, John Griffiths, said: 'The occupant of the yacht alerting the coastguard as soon as he had realised there was an issue with his engine allowed a swift response from our volunteer crew and made this service call a simple one as it was done in daylight and calm sea conditions.'
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 142,700 lives.
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