Two rescued by Largs RNLI in night time shout
Two men were rescued by the volunteer crew of Largs RNLI as the lifeboat was tasked at 1am on May 1 2025.
Pagers sounded across Largs in response to a tasking from HM Coastguard requesting the lifeboat launch immediately to reports of two people in the water off Inellen, near Dunoon.
Concerned members of the public had heard the distressed pair shouting for help and reported the situation by dialling 999 asking for the Coastguard.
The crew launched the lifeboat into the darkness and proceeded at best speed to the given location. Rescue 199, the Coastguard helicopter based at Prestwick, and local Coastguard Rescue Teams were also tasked to the incident.
On route the crew were informed the two people had fallen in to the water from their dinghy as they were returning to their motorboat which was moored nearby.
When the lifeboat arrived on scene it was established one of the casualties had managed to get back to the motorboat, where he had attempted to restart the boat and help his friend, however the engine would not start.
The lifeboat crew were then able to quickly locate the second person who was still in the water, grasping onto the side of the upturned dinghy. They were pulled from the water into the safety of the lifeboat with the crew providing immediate casualty care.
As the person had been in the water for around an hour there was a serious risk of hypothermia. The lifeboat crew transferred them to the shore where they were handed over into the care of the local Coastguard Team and the Scottish Ambulance Service. The casualty was subsequently transferred to the hospital by the Coastguard helicopter.
The lifeboat then returned to the motorboat for the other casualty. As they had been in the water for a long period of time it was decided they should also be checked over by paramedics and were transferred to the shore and passed into the care of the local Coastguard Team and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The motorboat was recovered to Inverkip marina, and the lifeboat was stood down by HM Coastguard. Returning to the lifeboat station shortly before 4am the lifeboat was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service and the volunteer crew were able to return to their beds.
Gordon Kennedy, volunteer helm, said; ‘This May bank holiday weekend, we are urging people to prioritise safety and be prepared for summer activities on or near the water.
‘For boat owners, it’s important that your boat and engine are thoroughly inspected and maintained after the winter season. Make sure all your equipment, especially lifejackets are in good condition and working correctly.
‘Always carry a means of calling for help and if you do get in to difficulty don’t hesitate to call the Coastguard on VHF Channel 16 or by calling 999.
‘The quick actions of the concerned members of the public on the shore who dialled 999 and asked for the Coastguard directly impacted the positive outcome of this call out.‘
Notes to editors
RNLI media contacts
Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, 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 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 146,000 lives.
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