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Largs RNLI respond to boat adrift

Lifeboats News Release

Largs RNLI launched on 3 July 2024 in response to a request from HM Coastguard to assist a vessel drifting into the shipping lane.

Lifeboat Launch

RNLI/Claire McRae

Lifeboat Launch

Volunteers at Largs RNLI launched their Atlantic 85 lifeboat in heavy rain to attend a vessel drifting into the shipping lane. The casualty vessel was reported by a local ferry as they were concerned it would pose a danger to other vessels in the area.

The lifeboat arrived on scene and a volunteer crew member was put onboard the casualty vessel to check if anyone was on board. With no one on board the vessel it was established the vessel had likely broken adrift from its moorings.

It was decided the safest option would be to take the vessel under tow to the nearest safe haven at Kip Marina. The volunteer helm requested HM Coastguard contact Kip Marina to check they would be able to take the vessel for safekeeping, a request the marina was happy to facilitate.

The casualty vessel was safely towed alongside Largs lifeboat to the safety of Kip Marina where it was handed over into the care of the local Coastguard Rescue Team.

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

Largs RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Griffiths said; ‘We would ask people to ensure their mooring lines and shackle pins are properly secured.

‘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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