First callout of 2024 for Troon RNLI lifeboat crew
At 12.04pm on Wednesday 3 January 2024, the lifeboat crew pagers were activated by Belfast Coastguard for the first callout of 2024 after reports from a member of the public of a possible person in the water at Ayr.
With the volunteers leaving their homes and work, RNLI Trent class all-weather lifeboat
RNLB Jim Moffat and D class inshore lifeboat Sheena were soon launched and making best speed to the scene to assist Ayr Coastguard Rescue Team and Police.
On arrival, the lifeboats were guided to the location by the Coastguard team on the shore which was identified by the lifeboat crew as lobster pot markers.
With this information passed to Belfast Coastguard, both lifeboats were able to return to station where they were made ‘ready for service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.
Troon RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond said, ‘Fortunately this callout turned out to be a false alarm but we always advise anyone who has concerns that someone may be in difficulty at sea or along the coast to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.