Troon RNLI launches after reports of person in difficulty at Irvine

The volunteer crew began to make their way to the lifeboat station to launch RNLI D class inshore lifeboat Sheena. Police Officers from Police Scotland alongside Ayr and Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team were also making the way to the beach and due to the urgency of the situation, the Coastguard helicopter Rescue 199 from Prestwick was also tasked.

With the inshore lifeboat launched, the crew were updated by Belfast Coastguard that the person was believed to have fallen from an inflatable that had been drifting offshore.

Arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew located an empty inflatable, and both the helicopter and lifeboat crew began a search of the area for anyone in difficulty.

With Police and Coastguard Teams on the shore carrying on enquiries, it was established that all persons were ashore and no one was unaccounted for.

Due to this, the helicopter was stood down and the lifeboat crew were requested to locate any drifting inflatables to prevent any further callouts.

Once this was completed, the lifeboat was able to return to Troon where it was made ready for service with the assistance of the shore crew.

Following the callout, Troon RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond said, ‘Every summer inflatables are one of the most common reasons RNLI lifeboat crews to get called into action. Even on a calm, sunny day, offshore winds can carry inflatables out to sea very quickly.

‘If you are heading to the coast, remember to pack your sun cream and your beach towel but please don’t put yourself or your kids at risk – leave your inflatable toys for the pool.

‘If you think you see someone in difficulty at the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Limond, 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.

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.