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Troon RNLI carries out exercise with the Royal Navy

Lifeboats News Release

On Friday 13th February 2026, the crew aboard our RNLI Shannon class all-weather lifeboat RNLB Roy Barker VI were lucky enough to take part in an exercise with a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter.

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Troon RNLI lifeboat on exercise with a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter
RNLI lifeboats often have to work with helicopters during multi-agency searches, or when transferring casualties into the helicopter when urgent medical care is required.

This opportunity for practical experience is vital to both organisations to ensure both crews have knowledge and experience of the techniques used.

Troon RNLI Coxswain Josh Middleton said: ‘This training was a worthwhile exercise for our volunteer RNLI crew and we’re grateful to the crew from the Merlin for the opportunity to train with them.’

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Troon RNLI lifeboat exercising with the Royal Navy

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Troon RNLI lifeboat from the Merlin helicopter

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Troon RNLI lifeboat

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.