A busy Friday at Largs RNLI

The volunteer crew at Largs RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard on Friday (10 July 2026) at 8:20pm in response to a Pan-Pan from a motor boat which was reporting to be in difficulties.

The volunteer crew assembled at the lifeboat station and were in the process of launching inshore lifeboat R.A.Wilson when HM Coastguard requested the lifeboat be diverted to assist a person in the water, on a paddle board, being blown offshore at Seamill.

The lifeboat made best possible speed to the area, and on arrival commenced searching.

The volunteer crew quickly located a person sit on top fishing kayak, who was safe and well. HM Coastguard confirmed this was the reported casualty. This was seen to be a false alarm with good intent and following a brief conversation with the kayaker he returned to fishing.

The motor boat from the original tasking was assisted by another yacht in the area, so no further assistance from the lifeboat was required.

Largs lifeboat then returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.

Largs lifeboat volunteer Helm, Gordon Kennedy, said: ‘We would like to commend the person who raised the alarm when they thought someone was in difficulty, that is always the right thing to do and we would always much rather launch and find all is well than not launch at all.

‘We are relieved that everyone was safe and commend those onboard for being well prepared.

‘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.’

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Claire McRae, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [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.

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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.