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Troon RNLI launches to multi agency callout for drifting dinghy off Irvine

Lifeboats News Release

At 8.43pm on Thursday 8 June 2023, both Troon RNLI lifeboats were requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard after 3 persons were observed drifting offshore onboard an inflatable off the coast at Irvine.

Troon RNLI all-weather lifeboat standby as the Coastguard helicopter hovers above the casualty dinghy

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Troon RNLI all-weather lifeboat standby as the Coastguard helicopter hovers above the casualty dinghy
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Due to the nature of the incident Rescue 199, the Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick was also tasked alongside coastguard teams from Ayr and Ardrossan.

The crew began make their way to the station, and shortly after RNLI Trent class all-weather lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat and D Class inshore lifeboat Sheena were launched.

With the helicopter arriving on scene first, the aircrew assessed the situation and were able to winch all persons from the inflatable as the lifeboats approached the scene.

The helicopter then made the short trip to the nearby beach where all persons were transferred into the care of the waiting coastguard teams.

The lifeboat crew assisted by recovering the inflatable before returning to the station where the lifeboats were made ‘ready for service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.
Troon RNLI lifeboat crew recover the dinghy

RNLI/TroonLifeboat

Troon RNLI lifeboat crew recover the dinghy
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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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Andrew Limond
Lifeboat Press Officer, Troon Lifeboat Station

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