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RNLI Largs Volunteers launch to assist stranded kayaker.

Lifeboats News Release

Largs RNLI crew were requested to launch at 8:55pm on Wednesday 25th September to assist a stranded kayaker on the East side of Little Cumbrae Island.

RNLI/Brian Rankin

Lifeboat Night Launch

The volunteer crew at Largs launched their Atlantic 85 Inshore Lifeboat ‘R A Wilson’ into a fresh North Easterly wind and made best speed towards the area.

On arrival the Helm asked the crew to make use of the onboard searchlight and night vision goggles to see if the casualty could be spotted on the shore and the helm could then decide the best place to take the Lifeboat and pick up the casualty.

A few moments later the kayaker was spotted close to a small jetty that serves the island, this made it easier and safer for the lifeboat to approach and dock alongside.

After a short discussion the kayaker was found to be extremely tired and cold but otherwise ok. He also advised the crew that he had been trying to paddle back to shore since 6pm but could not make headway against the wind and sea state in the area, he said his only choice was to make sure he landed on the Island where he knew he would be safer than being out on the open water.

When asked where he had launched from the kayaker could not give an accurate place, so it was decided to take him and his kayak back to Largs Yacht Haven. Whilst passing Fairlie the casualty stated he remember launching from a beach at Fairlie but due to the conditions it was deemed safer to continue to Largs Yacht Haven.

On arrival at Largs Yacht Haven the Lifeboat crew were met by members of Largs Coastguard Rescue team who assisted in returning the casualty back to his car.

With all information passed to the UK Coastguard, Largs Lifeboat was released from service and returned to station where it was recovered, refuelled, and made ready for the next service call.

Largs Launch Authority, Hugh Douglas said: ‘Tonight’s casualty was lucky to have made it to shore in the dark and windy conditions, we would always advise water users to ensure they have checked the weather before venturing out to enjoy our waters and also to have means of contacting the Coastguard if they do get into trouble. Thankfully, this call out had a good outcome with the kayaker being returned to the mainland safe and well.

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]

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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.

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