Largs RNLI assist fishing vessel with fouled propeller

A seven meter single handed fishing boat in shallow water, surrounded by rocks, had fouled its propeller on ropes. The skipper of the vessel was concerned due to the tidal conditions and the position of the boat.

The volunteer crew quickly launched relief inshore lifeboat Susan Margaret Forsbrey and made best speed to the location given.

When Largs lifeboat arrived on scene they located the casualty vessel in a shallow, rocky area. The volunteers from the lifeboat ensured all was well with the skipper and attempted to remove the rope entangled on the propeller, however after several attempts it was not possible to remove it all.

The decision was taken by the helm of the lifeboat not to attempt to tow the fishing vessel as it could have sustained damage from submerged rocks. The lifeboat crew put out the anchor of the casualty vessel, then assisted the skipper ashore.

Troon RNLI inshore lifeboat was also launched, by road, but was stood down on arrival at the scene.

Once the skipper of the fishing boat was safely ashore Largs lifeboat was stood down by HM Coastguard.

The lifeboat returned to Largs lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refulled and made ready for service.

In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency you should 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]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.