Sunday lifeboat launch at Largs RNLI

Volunteers battled their way through the Sunday afternoon traffic to the lifeboat station to quickly launch relief inshore lifeboat ‘Susan Margaret Forsbrey’.

Volunteer shore crew at the station were able to safely cordon the area of the busy prom to allow the lifeboat to be pushed out to the slipway and launched into calm waters in front of a large crowd of interested observers.

Largs RNLI lifeboat made best speed to the given location near to the entry to Largs Yacht Haven. When the lifeboat arrived on scene the casualty vessel was already being assisted by another vessel into Largs Yacht Haven.

Largs lifeboat was then stood down by HM Coastguard, returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service. The volunteers were then able to return to their Sunday afternoon plans with friends and family enjoying the sunshine. However, the volunteers remain on call 24/7 ready to respond to those in need and save lives at sea.

Launch Authority, George Freeburn said; ‘With the better weather arriving we would ask people to take this opportunity to ensure their vessel is ready for the summer season and check all equipment is well maintained and ready for use.

‘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.

‘Before setting out we would recommend you check both the weather forecast and the tide times.

‘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, claire_mcrae@rnli.org.uk

Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, brian_rankin@rnli.org.uk

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, richard_smith@rnli.org.uk

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, martin_macnamara@rnli.org.uk

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, pressoffice@rnli.org.uk

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.

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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.