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Monday night launch at Largs RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

The pagers of the volunteer crew at Largs RNLI sounded on Monday 22 July 2024 shortly before 9:30pm in response to a request from HM Coastguard to assist a small yacht north of Wemyss Bay.

Largs Lifeboat

RNLI/Claire McRae

Largs Lifeboat

The volunteer crew at Largs RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard causing pagers across Largs to sound interrupting bedtime routines.

The volunteer crew launched the inshore lifeboat based at Largs, the R.A. Wilson, into the twilight and made best speed to the location of the casualty vessel.

On arrival at the scene it was established the small vessel had two persons on board who were unable to make any progress. This was due to both the lack of wind and the outboard motor falling off the back of the boat.

The casualty vessel was drifting into the main shipping channel so the decision was taken to tow the vessel to the nearest safe haven at Kip Marina.

A safe tow was established and the tow was completed successfully, the casualty vessel 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 volunteer helm Gordon Kennedy said; ‘As we continue to enjoy the summer holidays we would remind anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to enjoy themselves but to go prepared.

‘Always check weather and tides before venturing out, always wear a lifejacket and always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back.

‘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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