Sunday 11th August was a busy day for the volunteer crew here at Largs, with their first callout coming at 1:20am and their fourth coming at 10:20pm.
The volunteer crew at Largs launched for the first time at approximately 01:30 Sunday morning to assist with an ongoing incident on Cumbrae, after a short period the Lifeboat crew were no longer required and were released from service.
The second call out came at 3:45pm. A small fishing vessel had issued a PAN-PAN broadcast advising he had suffered engine failure on both his main engine and his auxiliary engine. and was now drifting off Fairlie
Once again, the volunteer crew at Largs launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat ‘R A Wilson’ and made best speed to the location provided by the skipper.
Whilst enroute the crew of the Lifeboat were advised that another vessel had taken the casualty under tow but were requested to still continue to assess further.
On arrival the owner of the rib stated he was not comfortable towing the vessel into Largs Yacht Haven so it was decided that the Lifeboat would take over the tow.
Within ten minutes the vessel had been safely moored at his berth within Largs Yacht Haven, with this the crew were released and returned to station.
The crews third call out came at 7:30pm, this time they were tasked to a rib with engine failure with two adults and three children on board which had lost power approximately a quarter of a mile West of the Lifeboat station.
As the crew were preparing to launch the rib started to move and ended up beaching next to the Lifeboat station slipway.
On discussion with the owner, he advised he had managed to get his auxiliary engine started but found he could not steer with it due to the position it had been mounted.
After the Helm and the Launch authorities had had a discussion, it was agreed that the rib would be towed to Largs Yacht Haven rather than leave it on the beach where it could be damaged.
With this the crew duly launched and after a short passage had the rib secured within the Yacht Haven.
Once again, the crew were then released and returned to station where the boat was made ready for the next service.
The stations 4th pager activation of the day came at 10:25pm, this time the volunteer crew were tasked to a single male who had bought an inflatable dinghy from a local supermarket and was going to use this to go fishing, off Stevenston point.
A family member had seen him around 9:30pm but had subsequently lost sight of him and with darkness falling had dialled 999 to make the UK Coastguard aware of the situation.
Once again, the volunteer crew launched and made best speed to the area, also tasked to this incident were the crew of Troon Inshore Lifeboat, members of Ardrossan and Largs Coastguard rescue teams and the local Coastguard rescue helicopter.
On arrival at the scene and as the crew from Largs were about to begin their advised search area, a radio transmission was received advising that the missing person had been found safe at home.
With this news all emergency assets were stood down and allowed to return to station. With the Lifeboat recovering for the final time just after midnight, the crew all agreed it had been a long day.
Largs Lifeboat Operations Manager, John Griffiths said: ‘Today was a busy day for the stations volunteer crew beginning in the early hours and ending just after midnight. I cannot thank the boat crew and those assisting with shore duties enough, they all showed great teamwork, professionalism, and enthusiasm throughout.
‘We would also like to remind everyone enjoying our coastline to do so safely, ensuring they wear appropriate clothing and lifejackets and carry a means of communication to get help if required.
‘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.’
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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, in a normal year, 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.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.