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Troon RNLI launches to Ayr Harbour due to yacht in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

Saturday 27 June 2026 saw another callout for Troon RNLI lifeboat crew when at 2.50pm Belfast Coastguard were notified that a yacht entering Ayr harbour was in difficulty.

RNLI/TroonLifeboat

Troon RNLI lifeboat at Ayr harbour with the yacht on the breakwater
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The lifeboat crew made their way to the lifeboat station and the volunteers launched RNLI Shannon class all-weather lifeboat RNLB Roy Barker VI as the Ayr and Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Teams made their way to the scene by road.

As the lifeboat launched, the Coastguard updated the crew that the yacht was now on the breakwater rocks on the north side of the harbour.

On arrival at Ayr, with the yacht observed to be aground, the Coastguard Teams were on the breakwater assisting the three persons from the yacht, and the lifeboat crew were asked to remain on scene should any further assistance be required.

With the Coastguard and all persons from the yacht clear of the grounded vessel, the lifeboat was stood down by Belfast Coastguard. The lifeboat then returned to station and was made ready for service with assistance from the shore crew.

Later that evening, after the tide has risen, the yacht was successfully removed from the breakwater by the harbour staff from Associated British Ports (ABP) using their pilot boat Scotia and safely tied up alongside in the harbour

ABP/AyrHarbour

Staff from Associated British Ports (ABP) using their pilot boat Scotia to tow the vessel
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ABP/AyrHarbour

Staff from Associated British Ports (ABP) using their pilot boat Scotia to tow the vessel
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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]

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.

About the author

Andrew Limond
Lifeboat Press Officer, Troon Lifeboat Station

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