Warning after missing dinghies found on Arran

Dinghy sailors are being warned to make sure someone on shore knows of their plans when they make an open water crossing after a multi-agency search in the Firth of Clyde.

The search was sparked last weekend after two sailing dinghies were reported missing from Prestwick. The Arran RNLI in-shore lifeboat Rachel Hedderwick launched at 3.50am on Sunday joining search teams from Troon and Girvan RNLI, Ardrossan and Arran Coastguard Rescue Teams and Rescue 199 Search and Rescue helicopter.

The two dinghies had been reported missing after departing Prestwick on Saturday morning with no further contact being made by the vessels. The alarm was raised on Saturday evening with the search originating on the Ayrshire coast but quickly escalating to a large-scale sea search involving Arran, Troon and Girvan lifeboats and Rescue 199 Search and Rescue helicopter all searching a very large area of sea and coast.

At approximately 5am on Sunday morning the Arran crew spotted two vessels on the shore at Sandbraes in Whiting Bay. After investigating the vessels and consulting with Belfast and Arran Coastguard rescue teams it was established that these were the missing vessels and the occupants were safe and well.

Arran RNLI helm Martin Wood said: ‘We were all very relieved when we spotted the dinghies on the shore at Sanbraes which had obviously been stowed overnight. It was a great conclusion to the search. We would like to remind everyone that when they are planning an open water crossing, particularly in a small craft such as sailing dinghies or kayaks, that they should have a contact on shore who is aware of their plans or make the coastguard aware of their passage plans and estimated time of arrival.’

It was the second recent call-out for the Arran Lifeboat. At 9pm on Tuesday July 18 the crew, responding to a Pan-Pan distress call, found the stricken vessel North East of Pladda. It was apparent that the crew had encountered mechanical difficulties but had managed to effect repairs on their vessel. It was escorted to its destination by Troon lifeboat.