Largs RNLI volunteers respond to Pan-Pan
On Wednesday, 3 June 2026, the volunteers at Largs RNLI lifeboat station responded to a Pan-Pan call from a yacht with engine failure between Inverkip Marina and the main shipping channel.
At 3:30pm HM Coastguard requested for relief Atlantic class inshore lifeboat based at Largs, Susan Margaret Forsbrey, to be launched immediately to assist the yacht.
A Pan-Pan is used to signify urgent help is needed, but there is no immediate danger.
The volunteer crew made best speed to the location given and spoke with the single occupant on board the stricken vessel who explained they were unable to restart their engine due to fuelling issues.
The yacht was by this point drifting dangerously close to the shore and was in very real danger of running aground.
Following consultation between the helm of the lifeboat and the local Coastguard Rescue Team, the decision was taken to tow the yacht to the nearest safe haven at Inverkip Marina.
Largs lifeboat then returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
Largs lifeboat volunteer Helm, Andrew Malone, said: ‘We would like to remind everyone enjoying our coastline to do so safely, ensuring they wear appropriate clothing and lifejackets and carry a means of communication to get help if required.
‘With boats being used, often for the first time in the season, please check your fuel. Ensure that you have enough onboard for your journey and remember petrol can deteriorate over the winter causing non-starting or breakdowns.
‘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.