
Largs RNLI volunteers respond to Orkney boat with engine failure
On Thursday 13 April 2023 volunteer crew from Largs RNLI responded to a tasking by HM Coastguard to a 16 foot Orkney boat with reported engine failure just outside of Largs Yacht Haven.
Pagers sounded shortly after 4pm, volunteer crew assembled at the station and launched their inshore lifeboat
RA Wilson. They then made best speed to the given location near to the entrance of Largs Yacht Haven.
On arrival they discovered the Orkney day fishing boat had a single passenger on board who had managed to keep the vessel from colliding with the breakwater rocks surrounding Largs Yacht Haven and instead was washed up on the beach to the South of the Yacht Haven.
Due to the onshore conditions the lifeboat was able to manoeuvre into the shallows where she was anchored and then veered slowly inshore until a volunteer crew member was able to walk safely through the shallow water to the beached casualty vessel.
The crew member was able to speak with the solo passenger and establish all was well onboard the boat, he was then able to attach a tow line to the casualty vessel. The lifeboat safely moved out of the bay into safer waters were it was able to establish an alongside tow.
The Orkney boat had launched from Largs Yacht Haven with its engine failing shortly after leaving the marina entrance. As this was the nearest safe haven the casualty vessel was returned to Largs Yacht Haven and handed over into the care of Largs Coastguard Rescue Team.
Largs lifeboat then returned to the lifeboat station at 5:30pm where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
David Linton, Largs RNLI helm said; ‘Raising the alarm was the correct course of action when he knew he was in difficulty. His engine had broken down and he was close to the breakwater rocks at the marina entrance.
‘We would remind anyone planning a trip to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and always carry a means of calling for help.
‘If you get into difficulty, or see someone at risk or in trouble at the coast or in the sea, you should always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Notes to editors
RNLI media contacts
Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]
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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