Commendation for Largs RNLI crew.
On Thursday 9 March 2023 a celebration evening was held at Largs RNLI where lifeboat volunteers were presented with a Chief Executive’s Commendation following a callout which took place on Sunday 12 June 2022 off the coast of Bute.
The certificates signed by RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie were presented to the volunteer crew who were aboard our Atlantic 85 lifeboat. Helm David Hewitt alongside crew members James Welsh, Jennifer Flavell and Andrew Malone were presented with their commendations by Largs Lifeboat Operations Manager John Griffiths.
The callout took place at 4:30pm on Sunday 12 June 2022, Largs RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 lifeboat
R.A. Wilson in response to a tasking by UK Coastguard, who also tasked the volunteer crews from Tighnabruaich and Troon RNLI to attend.
Largs lifeboat made best speed to the casualty vessel, a motorboat carrying 10 passengers located at Scalspie Point, on the Western side of the Isle of Bute. R.A. Wilson arrived on scene along with Tighnabruaich’s inshore lifeboat James and Helen Mason and Troon’s all weather lifeboat Jim Moffat.
There were eight adults and two children aboard the motorboat. A crew member from Largs lifeboat was transferred onto the motorboat to assess the situation. The crew member found there were several people suffering from serious sea sickness.
A crew member from Troon lifeboat was also placed onto the motorboat where casualty care including sea sickness tablets was provided.
The lifeboat crew members then took control of the casualty vessel moving it to a more sheltered location in the lee of Inchmarnock island where the decision was made to transfer the passengers onto the all-weather lifeboat from Troon.
The passengers were taken by Troon lifeboat to Portavadie marina where they were passed into the care of local Coastguard Rescue Teams from Kames and Rothesay until they were given a precautionary check up by the ambulance service.
Meanwhile Largs lifeboat and Tighnabruaich lifeboat escorted the casualty vessel, now crewed by crew from Troon and Largs lifeboats, to Tighnabruaich where it was placed on a mooring.
With the casualties ashore and the casualty vessel safe, lifeboat crew members then transferred back to their respective lifeboats.
Largs lifeboat was stood down by UK Coastguard, returned to the lifeboat station, where the lifeboat was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
Speaking after the callout John Griffiths, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Largs RNLI, said, ‘Volunteer crew from all three RNLI crews demonstrated a high level of teamwork, working together in a very professional manner.
‘Thanks also to Kames Coastguard Rescue Team and Rothesay Coastguard Rescue Team and the staff at Portavadie Marina for their assistance.
‘In a coastal emergency, or if you see someone in trouble at sea, you should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Pictured at the presentation are (L to R) Largs RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Griffiths, Helm David Hewitt and crew members James Welsh, Andrew Malone and Jennifer Flavell.
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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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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