Both Troon RNLI lifeboats launch after reports of drifting inflatable
Both Troon RNLI lifeboats launch after reports of drifting inflatable
Lifeboats News Release
At 6.20pm on Friday 26 June 2026, the volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew pagers burst into life as Belfast Coastguard received a call from a member of the public reporting an inflatable drifting out to sea at South Beach, Troon.
The caller informed the Coastguard that two other people appeared to be heading to assist from the shore. Due to this Belfast Coastguard tasked the Ayr Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI stations all-weather and inshore lifeboats to assist.
Leaving dinners and places of work, the volunteer crew began mustering at the lifeboat station, D class lifeboat
Sheena quickly launched followed by Shannon class all-weather lifeboat
RNLB Roy Barker VI.
Arriving on scene first, the D class located two persons on a paddle board with a further two persons who had made their way to assist on kayaks. Although kitted with some safety equipment due to the offshore wind direction returning to shore unaided would have been difficult.
With all persons accounted for, the lifeboat crew were then able to assist all parties to the beach and the Coastguard Team.
Both lifeboats then stood down and made their way back to the harbour where they were made ready for service with the assistance of the shore crew.
Troon RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond said, ‘With warm weather forecast, the RNLI’s safety advice is before you set out to the beach or onto the water, check the weather, wind direction and tides; ensure the conditions are suitable for your skills and if in doubt, don’t go out. Small inflatables along with stand-up paddle boarders should avoid offshore winds.
‘Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid while carrying a waterproofed means of calling for help. For a coastal emergency 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]
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.
