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Training interrupted by shout at Largs RNLI
The volunteers at Largs lifeboat train at least once a week, at sea and ashore. Crew training is a continuous process and the learning never stops.
Weekly RNLI training exercises focus on teamwork, technical competence and safe operating procedures covering everything from boat handling, search and rescue operations, navigation, radar training, radio communications and casualty care.
On Wednesday (29 July 2026) shortly before 8pm the regular planned training session at Largs RNLI was interrupted by an immediate tasking from HM Coastguard to assist a sailing yacht with three people on board reporting to have engine failure near to Largs Yacht Haven.
The lifeboat, which had been conducting training with a yacht nearby, made its way to the given location.
On arrival a dynamic risk assessment was conducted and due to the high risk of the vessel drifting into the channel, volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat decided the safest option was to tow the vessel into Largs Yacht Haven. Following consultation and communication with HM Coastguard the casualty vessel was assisted to berth.
With everyone safe and the casualty vessel now alongside, the lifeboat was stood down by HM Coastguard. The volunteers onboard refulled the lifeboat at Largs Yacht Haven before returning to Largs lifeboat station where the lifeboat was washed down and made ready for the next service.
Dave Stevens, volunteer helm at Largs RNLI lifeboat, said; ‘Training is an essential part of what we do. We train regularly to ensure our lifeboat and our volunteer crew are fully operational and ready to deploy as required to a real-time incident.
‘For boat owners, it’s important your boat and engine are thoroughly inspected and maintained regularly. Make sure all your equipment, including lifejackets are in good condition and working correctly.
‘If you get into difficulty at sea or along the coast, or spot someone else in trouble, please do not contact the lifeboat station directly, you should 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.
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.