Saturday lunchtime shout for Largs RNLI

The pagers of the volunteer crew at Largs RNLI sounded just before 1pm on Saturday 14 October. Lunch plans for many were abandoned as the crew rushed to the lifeboat station in response.

HM Coastguard requested the launch of Largs lifeboat in response to a request for assistance from the crew of a 44 foot yacht aground near Hunterston Power Station.

Largs lifeboat made best speed to the location given by HM Coastguard and found the yacht with eight crew onboard was just afloat. A volunteer crew member from Largs RNLI boarded the yacht to assist in checking for water ingress.

With no obvious signs of any damage and the casualty vessel now fully afloat, the yacht was then able to return under its own power to Largs Yacht Haven to be fully inspected.

Largs lifeboat then returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.

Largs lifeboat volunteer helm, Dave Stevens, said; ‘We would like to remind people to check weather and tide times before venturing out on the water and always check local signage and navigation charts for hidden dangers and hazards.

‘If you get into difficulty at sea or along the coast, or spot someone else in trouble, 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

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.