Largs RNLI lifeboat launched to assist yacht with 3 persons onboard off Inverkip
At 8:18pm on Sunday 18 September 2022, the duty deputy launching authority of Largs RNLI Lifeboat Station received a call from UK Coastguard asking for the lifeboat to launch to assist a yacht off Inverkip Marina.
On arriving at the lifeboat station, the volunteer crew were advised that the yacht had suffered engine failure and was trying to sail into Inverkip Marina but was struggling due to the state of tide and lack of wind.
The crew launched their Atlantic 85 Inshore lifeboat, R A Wilson and made best speed to the yacht’s last provided position. After a short passage the crew arrived on-scene.
After talking to the skipper of the yacht, it was agreed the best plan was to take the yacht under tow into 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 owner 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.’
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
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