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Training diverted at Largs RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Wednesday night training for the volunteer crew at Largs RNLI took an unexpected turn when they were tasked by HM Coastguard.

Largs Lifeboat Launch

RNLI/Claire McRae

Largs Lifeboat Launch

The volunteer crew at Largs RNLI regularly train on a Wednesday evening, with Wednesday 24 July 2024 being no different.

While afloat, the volunteer crew were led by volunteer helm Andrew Malone where they spent time practicing search patterns and man overboard drills around Millport Bay.

The inshore lifeboat R.A. Wilson was returning to the station when they were tasked by HM Coastguard to investigate a report from a member of the public.

It had been reported three windsurfers were in difficulty near to Wemyss Bay.

There was a quick crew change to allow two qualified and experienced crew to replace two of the trainee crew before the boat proceeded towards the scene at best speed.

On arrival, the windsurfers had returned to the beach and were all safe and well. The volunteer crew spoke with them and determined they were the same group which had been reported. After a chat about water safety and with all persons accounted for and confirmed safe and well, the lifeboat was stood down by HM Coastguard.

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

Largs RNLI Lifeboat volunteer helm, Andrew Malone, said; ‘This was a false alarm with good intent. We would like to thank the member of public for calling the Coastguard - it is always better to be safe than sorry when lives may be at risk.

‘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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