Largs Lifeboat launched to assist sinking vessel
Largs volunteer lifeboat crew were paged at approximately 3:10pm yesterday (Tuesday 12 August), following multiple 999 calls from concerned members of the public who could see 2 people on board a small dinghy which was sinking off Fairlie.
Within minutes the volunteer crew at Largs had launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and made best speed to the location.
After a short transit, the Lifeboat arrived on scene, to find that the 2 people were in the water after their small dinghy had sunk. Due to the number of other water users in the area the Lifeboat had to make a slower final approach than normal to ensure they did not cause further casualties by either swamping or knocking them into the water.
Once recovered into the Lifeboat the casualties, who were showing signs of distress and one being unwell, were assessed and given casualty care. It was also requested that the Coastguard Rescue helicopter attend so their paramedic could assess the unwell casualty and if needed transfer to hospital.
With the Helicopter on scene the casualties were handed over into the care of their paramedic and the Lifeboat crew were stood down and were able to return to station.
Commenting on the call out RNLI Helm Angus Fergusson stated, thankfully people on shore saw the trouble the casualties were in and did the correct thing in dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguard. This reduced the response time for the rescue.
On arrival we found both people in the water one wearing a foam buoyancy aid and the other a gas inflating lifejacket. These devices kept both persons afloat and ensured they were rescued. I would advise all forms of water users to ensure they have a correctly fitting life jacket/buoyancy aid to aid support in the water if needed.
RNLI media contacts
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]
Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin McNamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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The RNLI charity 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 over 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 142,200 lives.
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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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.