15-05-2025
Arran ferry MV Glen Sannox joins coastguard to help rescue five from boat "taking on water"
Crews from the RNLI in Troon and the MV Glen Sannox came to the aid of a 7m vessel "taking on water" on Wednesday evening.
Five people and a dog were rescued after their boat started taking on water in the Firth of Clyde on Wednesday evening.
A Mayday broadcast was issued by Belfast Coastguard after the 7m vessel got into difficulty around a mile from Irvine Harbour shortly before 5.55pm.
The MV Glen Sannox, which had been on a routine sailing from Brodick to Troon, diverted to the scene and volunteer crews from the RNLI in Troon launched both lifeboats.
Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team had also been tasked to the incident to provide assistance from the shore.
Quickly on scene, the RNLI crews assessed the situation and took the five people - four adults and one child - as well as their dog on board the lifeboat before towing the boat back to Irvine Harbour.
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."
A spokesperson for RNLI Troon added: "At 5.54pm on Wednesday, May 14, 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 one mile from Irvine harbour.
"The volunteer crew attended and 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 Glen Sannox heading to Troon had diverted to the 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 five persons (four adults and one 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."
