False alarm at Largs RNLI

The volunteer crew assembled at the lifeboat station and launched inshore lifeboat R.A.Wilson.

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

Quickly, a person with a wing foiler was spotted equipped with a standard inflated wing and a small board with a hydroplaning wing foil.

The lifeboat crew spoke with the person and were able to see they were wearing appropriate safety equipment and were not in any difficulties. HM Coastguard confirmed this was the reported casualty.

This was seen to be a false alarm with good intent.

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

Largs lifeboat crew member, Kerryann Logan, said: ‘We would like to thank and commend the person who raised the alarm after thinking someone might be in difficulty. They absolutely did the right thing.

‘We would always rather launch a rescue and find that everything is well than not launch at all when someone may genuinely need our help.

‘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

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