
Largs RNLI diverted from exercise
On Sunday 17 September 2023 the volunteers at Largs lifeboat were diverted from their planned training exercise to assist a vessel with three people on board.
HM Coastguard requested Largs lifeboat be diverted to search for, and assist, a vessel reported to be in difficulty somewhere between Inverkip Marina and Colintraive. The casualty vessel had no VHF equipment on board and were relying on the use of mobile phones.
Largs RNLI inshore lifeboat ‘R A Wilson’ was quickly on the scene and began a search of the area given.
The casualty vessel was located off Ardyne point where the crew of the lifeboat were able to quickly establish all three people aboard the vessel were safe and well. The boat had been suffering from a steering cable issue which they were able to resolve themselves and get back underway.
The lifeboat escorted the casualty vessel towards Inverkip Marina where they were met by another vessel who escorted them back into the marina.
Largs lifeboat then returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
Largs lifeboat volunteer helm, Angus Fergusson, said; ‘It is important to keep engines well-maintained and to regularly check equipment is fully functional.
‘Always carry a means of communication such as a VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and let someone know where you are going and when you are due back.
‘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
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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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