Holiday Monday shout at Largs RNLI
On Monday 15 June 2026 people across Scotland were enjoying an extra day off work, celebrating the success of Scotland qualifying for the World Cup, however shortly before 2:30pm the volunteers at Largs RNLI lifeboat station were tasked to a sailing yacht with intermittent engine failure.
Celebrations following the winning performance of Scotland’s National Football Team on Sunday morning were still ongoing by many when the volunteers were called to action. The volunteer crew are on call 24/7 regardless of public holidays, remaining ready to respond to their pagers.
HM Coastguard requested the launch of relief inshore lifeboat, Susan Margaret Forsbrey, based at Largs RNLI lifeboat station in response to a Pan-Pan call from the vessel which was near to Toward lighthouse. Vessels can transmit a Pan-Pan to alert nearby vessels that help is needed, but there is no immediate danger.
As requested, the volunteers launched the lifeboat and made best speed to the location of the sailing boat. On arrival the volunteer crew were able to speak with the two people onboard the casualty vessel who explained the engine was failing intermittently.
Having fully assessed the situation the decision was made to put one of the volunteer crew onboard the sailing boat to assist with the problematic engine. With this additional assistance the crew onboard the casualty vessel was able to reach Inverkip Marina, with the lifeboat escorting them.
With everyone safely back at Inverkip Marina Largs lifeboat was then stood down by HM Coastguard, returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
Dave Stevens, volunteer helm at Largs RNLI, said; ‘We would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on their vessel, especially after long periods when the engine has not been used.
‘In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency 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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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