
Largs RNLI launch to vessel in distress
Pagers sounded at 4:30pm yesterday afternoon (Thursday 18 July 2024) in response to a casualty vessel off Millport Pier.
The volunteer crew at Largs RNLI received a request to assemble from HM Coastguard in response to a yacht which had fouled its bow thruster on a mooring in Millport Bay.
After launching the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat R.A. Wilson the volunteer crew made best speed to the casualty vessel.
On arrival it was established there was one person onboard the yacht who was unable to free the vessel from the visitor mooring due to the pickup line being trapped in the bow thruster of the vessel. The decision was taken for one of the volunteer crew from Largs RNLI to enter the water to free the casualty vessel.
Once freed from the pickup line the yacht was then able to make its way to Largs Yacht Haven. Due to part of the line still being trapped in the bow thruster the casualty vessel had to proceed under reduced power.
Largs lifeboat escorted the vessel out of Millport Bay ensuring its safe passage into more sheltered waters before being stood down by HM Coastguard. The casualty vessel made its way to Largs Yacht Haven where it was met by the local Coastguard Rescue Team.
Largs lifeboat returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
Michael Holcombe, Helm at Largs RNLI, said: ‘The casualty vessel made the right decision to call for help when they realised they were in difficulties.
‘I would advise anyone taking to the water to make sure they are suitably equipped, this includes having communications equipment on board, and knowing how to ask for help if needed, even the most experienced sailors can encounter unexpected difficulties at sea.
‘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.’
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 336789Key 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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