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Largs RNLI volunteers rescue four people

Lifeboats News Release

On Monday 25 September 2023 the volunteers at Largs RNLI rescued four people from a disused pier near Wemyss Bay.

Largs lifeboat launching

RNLI/Claire McRae

Largs lifeboat launching

The pagers of Largs RNLI volunteer crew sounded shortly after 4pm on Monday when HM Coastguard requested the launch of the inshore lifeboat ‘R.A. Wilson’ to assist an inflatable boat with a puncture located around the disused pier at Inverkip Power Station.

Largs lifeboat launched and made best speed to the location. On arrival they discovered the inflatable boat, which was carrying four passengers, had been travelling around the disused pier when they suffered a puncture.

The four passengers sought refuge on the disused pier which was locked preventing them from getting onto the land. Due to this access way being locked the local Coastguard Rescue Team was also unable to access and assist the four people.

The decision was taken to assist the four into the lifeboat where they were taken safely to Kip Marina, in Inverkip and handed over into the care of the local Coastguard Rescue Team.

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

Largs lifeboat volunteer helm, Andrew Malone, said; ‘We would like to remind people to respect the water; always carry a means for calling for help, wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and remember to check both the weather and tide times before setting off. You should also ensure your watercraft is appropriate for the activity and is well maintained.

‘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.

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