Largs RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched Tuesday 09th July at 7:30pm into Easterly Gale force winds after a member of the public reported what looked like a paddleboard being blown offshore towards the Isle of Cumbrae.
The initial tasking received from UK Coastguard asked that the Lifeboat make best speed to the South of Largs and perform a structured search using information provided by the Coastguard to establish if there was anyone in the water from the paddleboard.
Once on scene the Lifeboat crew commenced the search, whilst doing this they were informed that members of Cumbrae Coastguard Rescue team were tasked to search the Cumbrae coastline and Largs Coastguard rescue team were tasked to search the coastline between Largs and Fairlie.
During the search the volunteer lifeboat crew encountered winds gusting to over 45knts and sea states of approx. 2 meter breaking seas, this made searching slightly more difficult for the crews due to the spray coming from the waves.
After 30 minutes of searching, Cumbrae Coastguard rescue team advised they had recovered the paddleboard from the shoreline and on inspection they found that no safety leash was attached nor the skeg on the underside of the board.
Whilst this radio discussion was taking place Largs Lifeboat crew continued with their search pattern and after running as close as safely possible to the shore advised the UK Coastguard they had not found anything.
A short time later all units involved were released from service and were allowed to return to station.
Speaking about this call out on his return back to the Lifeboat station volunteer crewman Mark McDonald said, “As a newer crewmember I haven’t been able to be part of many call outs in the kind of conditions encountered this evening, it was good to have this experience in a callout that thankfully did not require the rescue of any persons in trouble. I would like to also advise members of the public where possible they put contact details on any equipment that will be used on the water, this can allow the owner to be contacted to ensure they are safe and well.
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Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639,
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Martin McNamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929,
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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 celebrated 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.
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.