Troon RNLI launch to yachts requiring assistance
At 3.43pm on Thursday 29 August 2024, Belfast Coastguard activated the pagers for the first of two callouts to assist yachts with machinery problems near to Troon.
With the pagers bleeping, the volunteer lifeboat crew attended at the lifeboat station to assist an 8m vessel approximately 3 nautical miles west of Troon harbour with 1 person on board that had suffered machinery problems.
Troon RNLI all-weather lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat soon located the yacht, and after consultation it was decided that the best course of action was to tow the vessel back to Troon. On arrival back towards the harbour, the tow was transferred to the D class inshore lifeboat Sheena and the vessel was secured in the marina.
Shortly after at 5.10pm, the all-weather lifeboat was tasked again to another yacht near to the Ballast Bank. The all-weather was soon on scene and a tow was established back to Troon marina.
With both vessels secured alongside, both lifeboats returned to station and were made ‘ready for service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.
Troon RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond said, 'Machinery problems can happen unexpectedly when out at sea. To help prevent this ensure your engine is well maintained, carry enough fuel for your journey and if you do encounter problems contact the Coastguard via VHF radio or by calling 999.'
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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