Troon RNLI assists vessel taking on water off Irvine
Troon RNLI assists vessel taking on water off Irvine
Lifeboats News Release
At 5.54pm Wednesday 14 May 2025, the volunteer crew of Troon RNLI lifeboat were requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard after reports of a 7m vessel taking on water with five persons onboard approximately 1 mile from Irvine harbour.
Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team
Troon RNLI lifeboat and casualty support by MV Glen Sannox
The volunteer crew attended and launched quickly launched both the RNLI Trent class all-weather
RNLB Jim Moffat and D class inshore lifeboat Sheena to assist.
Following a Mayday broadcast to vessels in the area by Belfast Coastguard, the ferry MV Glen Sannox heading to Troon had diverted to scene and the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team had also been tasked to the incident to provide assistance from the shore.
Both lifeboats were soon heading to the casualty vessel and were quickly alongside.
After assessing the situation, the 5 persons (4 adults and 1 child) and their dog were taken onboard the all-weather lifeboat and the inshore lifeboat established a tow with the casualty vessel.
A tow was established to Irvine harbour where the casualty vessel was secured alongside assisted by the Coastguard Team. The inshore lifeboat then transferred all persons from the all weather lifeboat to the harbour and the waiting Coastguard Team.
Once all persons were ashore, both lifeboats returned to Troon where they were made ‘ready for service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.
Speaking following the callout, and his first as helm on the inshore lifeboat, Stephen Kerr said, 'With people making the most of the good weather along the Ayrshire coast, we would advise all boat users before setting out on your journey to please plan your route ahead using the relevant charts for the area, have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble, and have lifejackets for all on board.
'If you are in difficulty, call the Coastguard on VHF channel 16 or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'
Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team
The casualty vessel alongside in Irvine with Ardrossan Coastguard
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.
