Four callouts for lifeboat crew

RNLI Troon Lifeboat crew dealt with four callouts in the space of a few hours on Saturday.

The team were summoned by Belfast Coastguard at 3.43pm, following reports over paddle boarders in difficulties off Pow Burn, south of Troon.

As the lifeboat approached, information came though that the two casualties were on Meikle Craigs and so were left in the care of the coastguard team. However, a second incident unfolded further south with another two paddle boarders in difficulty.

As a result the all-weather lifeboat was re-tasked by Belfast Coastguard to this incident and the casualties were located. The three separate incident unfolded at 7.15pm. Reports came in about a paddle boarders drifting offshore at Barassie beach.

With light fading, the Coastguard broadcast a Mayday relay, and tasked the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene.

Thankfully, as the lifeboats were launching, Belfast Coastguard notified the crew that the paddle boarder had made it safely ashore.

The fourth callout came at 9.33pm, with a 24ft yacht that had run aground. This time both lifeboats were tasked. It was agreed that the stricken yacht was best anchored before it was recovered in daylight.

Vince McWhirter, Troon RNLI Lifeboat Community Safety Officer said:“If you are heading out to sea as a novice or experienced paddle boarder, it’s important to take note of the following safety advice: If you can, go with a friend but if you are going out alone, always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

“Don’t leave the house without a mobile phone or communication device, such as a VHF radio, and keep it in a waterproof pouch so you can call for help.”