Donate now

Multiple 999 calls for two kayakers in distress off The Gantocks near Dunoon.

Lifeboats News Release

Largs RNLI inshore lifeboat launched on the evening of Thursday 25th July at approx 10:00pm to reports of two males who had been seen kayaking and were now in the water and trying to return to shore, their kayaks were nowhere to be seen.

RNLI/Brian Rankin

Largs RNLI Atlantic Inshore Lifeboat 'R A Wilson'
The volunteer crew launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and were soon heading to the last known position at the top speed.

As the crew arrived on scene they were contacted by UK Coastguard stating one male had made it ashore and had been met by members of Dunoon Coastguard Rescue Team, and the second male was spotted by a crewmember walking out of the water, who was also met by the onshore Coastguard team.

Due to the kayaks not being recovered The Lifeboat Helm advised the UK Coastguard he would like to perform a quick search of the are in case they could find the kayaks as he wanted to reduce the risk of further call outs if a concerned member of the public had found or seen them floating in the water.

After a brief time, the crew did in fact find a buoyancy aid, a paddle, and a partially submerged kayak which they duly recovered and handed over to Dunoon Coastguard Rescue Team.

With no further requirement the crew were then released and allowed to return to Station, where the Lifeboat was refuelled, washed, and made ready for the next service call.

Speaking about this call out on his return back to the Lifeboat station volunteer crewman Kieran Gregory said, “The two males involved in tonight’s rescue were very lucky that so many people had spotted them when they got into difficulty, this allowed a swift response from all rescue services and vessels in the vicinity. Neither had means of alerting the emergency services to advise of their predicament and with this I would like to advise any water users here or around the coast to always ensure they have a means of contacting the Coastguard if anything happens to them.



RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact.
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]
Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin McNamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or at [email protected]

RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.


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 celebrates 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.

Categories