Busy Wednesday at Largs RNLI

Pagers sounded across Largs shortly after 8:30 in the morning just as the volunteers were starting their day. HM Coastguard requested the lifeboat to be launched to assist a 40-foot yacht which had struck an object in the water which had caused damage to the boat.

Largs lifeboat launched and made best speed to Scalpsie Bay on the west side of Bute to meet the yacht, which had two people on board and was reporting they were taking on water.

The casualty yacht had deployed their salvage pump but were unsure if this would suffice. On arrival the volunteer crew aboard the lifeboat were able determine the yacht had sustained a crack on the hull and damage to the steering. Their pump was performing adequately.

Due to the damage sustained by the boat the lifeboat was unable to offer a tow, however the lifeboat remained with the yacht while the owner obtained assistance to ensure the safety of the people on board.

A tow was obtained for the casualty vessel and Largs lifeboat accompanied them back to Largs Yacht Haven.

At this stage the volunteer crew were able to return to the lifeboat station where the lifeboat was cleaned, fuelled and made ready for service.

As Wednesday is the regular training night at the lifeboat station volunteers gathered as usual for training both ashore and afloat.

The lifeboat launched and began the scheduled training session however they soon received a request from HM Coastguard to assist a paddle boarder between Inellan and Dunoon, who appeared to be in trouble.

The lifeboat made best speed to this location and met with the paddle boarder who assured the lifeboat crew that all was well and he was well enough equipped for the activity.

The lifeboat was then stood down by HM Coastguard and returned to the lifeboat station where once again the lifeboat was cleaned, fuelled and made ready for service.

Volunteer helm, Dave Stevens said; ‘With the better weather arriving we would ask people to take this opportunity to ensure all equipment is well maintained and fully functional.

‘Always carry a means of communication such as a VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and let someone 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.’

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.