3 days ago
Ayrshire lifeboat rescues two people from sinking boat
Volunteer crews from the RNLI in Largs were assisted by the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter after saving two people from a sinking dinghy.
An Ayrshire lifeboat crew rescued two people from a sinking boat on Tuesday afternoon.
Volunteers from RNLI Largs were alerted to the vessel which was in trouble in the Firth of Clyde off the shore of Fairlie at around 3.10pm.
Multiple onlookers had called 999 after spotting the distressed dinghy from the shore.
The lifeboat crew was quickly on scene but both occupants of the dinghy were already in the water after the boat sank.
After rescuing the two casualties, assistance was requested from the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter as both were showing signs of distress.
Both casualties were passed into the care of paramedics for further treatment.
A spokesperson for RNLI Largs said: "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 two 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 said: "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."
