Largs RNLI assist 47-foot yacht with engine failure and unable to sail.
Largs RNLI assist 47-foot yacht with engine failure and unable to sail.
Lifeboats News Release
The volunteer RNLI crew at Largs Lifeboat station were paged at 5.05pm Saturday 9 September, after the skipper of a yacht with 3 persons on board had contacted the UK Coastguard requesting assistance.
On arrival at the boathouse the volunteer crew were advised that yacht had been motoring in the vicinity of the East Kyles of Bute when their engine failed. Rather than continuing their passage, the skipper of the yacht decided the best option would be to try and sail back to Largs, where the yacht was berthed.
As the Yacht was approaching the North of Largs the light winds that were enabling them to make slow but steady progress stopped and it was at this time the skipper had requested assistance.
Due to the location of the yacht the volunteer crew had a very short transit from launching to being alongside.
On arrival and after discussing and assessing the situation the volunteer helmsman decided the safest option would be to place a crew member on board and take the yacht under tow back to Largs Yacht Haven.
This was successfully achieved, and the yacht was berthed alongside with the assistance of the Largs Coastguard Rescue Team.
As all was now safe, the volunteer crew were released from service and returned to station where the lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for the next service.
Commenting on the call out Lifeboat Operations Manager John Griffiths stated Although the yacht suffered issues with their engine some distance away, they had tried to make their own way back to their berth before calling the Coastguard. If any other pleasure craft users find themselves in the same situation it is advisable to make the Coastguard aware of your situation sooner than later, even if you do intend on trying to get back without initial assistance, the Coastguard would keep in contact via radio or mobile phone to ensure all is ok until you are back safe. They can also make local rescue services aware of the situation and that it was being monitored just in case anything changed.
RNLI media contacts
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin McNamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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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 over 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 142,200 lives.
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.