Largs RNLI Inshore Lifeboat launched to yacht following a Mayday call

Largs volunteer crew were paged to an immediate launch after the UK Coastguard received a Mayday distress at approximately 9am Sunday 25 September.

On arrival at the boathouse, the crew promptly launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat R A Wilson and made best speed to the casualty's position.

Once on the scene, it was found that another nearby vessel had managed to free the yacht from one of the small islands in Millport bay.

After checking with the yacht's occupants and finding that there were no injuries on board or damage to the casualty vessel, the lifeboat crew were released from service and returned to the boathouse where the lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for the next service.

Following this call out, Lifeboat Helm, Dave Stevens, said: 'With the owner of the yacht broadcasting a Mayday distress call, all vessels in close vicinity were alerted to their distress, which allowed a nearby yacht that was passing to provide valuable assistance freeing the yacht and allowing them to return to their home marina.'

ENDS

Notes to editors

· Largs lifeboat station has been operating since 1964. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/largs-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

Brian Rankin, RNLI Largs Lifeboat Press Officer

Claire McRae, RNLI Largs Lifeboat Press Officer

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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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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