Urgent search for person launched after kayak washes ashore on Arran

Daily Record

24-04-2025

A late night search was launched off the coast of Arran after a kayak was spotted floating in the Firth of Clyde . Arran Coastguard Rescue Team and volunteers from the RNLI were called out to the scene at just after 10pm on Tuesday, April 22. The kayak washed ashore near Kildonan in the south of Arran as rescuers were on route and a search was launched in the sea between Arran and Pladda. Crews searched an area of 3sq nautical miles for any signs of a possible missing kayaker but were stood down after nothing was found. HM Coastguard have appealed for any information as to the owner of the kayak. Earlier in the day, Arran RNLI had taken delivery of a new tractor - affectionately known as T2 - to assist with callouts and it was in use just 10 hours after it arrived at the lifeboat station in Lamlash. A spokesperson for Arran RNLI said: "Yesterday [Tuesday, April 22] at 10.01pm the pagers sounded after a kayak was spotted floating west of Pladda less than 10 hours after our station's new tractor (aka T2) arrived in Lamlash. "The volunteer crew at Arran RNLI were even more responsive than normal thanks to having just left the station after an operational meeting so a full crew were at the station in minutes allowing the boat to launch at 10.10pm. "As the crew made best speed in very dark conditions to the south of the island they were informed the kayak had washed ashore so were re-tasked to search for a possible person in the water. "Arriving on scene by 10.43pm they launched a parachute flare to illuminate the initial search areas and commenced a search area requested by Belfast Coastguard using powerful searchlights and a special night sight. This search involved navigating a specific pattern of parallel tracks designed to search an area effectively - in this case the area was 2.5nm long and 1.2nm wide. "After two legs of the search, the crew were stood down by the coastguard so the boat made its way back to the station in Lamlash. The crew were given a well deserved hot drink and the boat was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service by the shore crew while T2 was given a well done clean after her first shout. "If you see someone in trouble at sea or along the coast, please don't hesitate to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard." A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: "Do you recognise this kayak? "It was washed up in Kildonan last night [Tuesday, April 22]. If you are the owner or know whose kayak it is please call Belfast Coastguard on 02891 463 933." Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter