Flare sighting turns RNLI exercise into rescue
15/05/2019
A lifeboat crew turned an exercise into a real-life rescue in Scotland after spotting a flare.
Largs RNLI crew was on a routine exercise when it was asked to tow a 43-foot yacht to safety in the Firth of Clyde, North Ayrshire.
The vessel, which had one person on board, got into difficulty after suffering engine problems.
The lone sailor was unsure of his position and set off two flares, one of which was spotted by the lifeboat crew.
As it neared Little Cumbrae Island, the lifeboat spotted the yacht and a crew member boarded to assist.
With wind speeds of 6 to 7 gusting to 8 knots, it was decided to tow the yacht and a line was attached. The yacht was towed into Largs yacht haven where it was secured and made safe.
A probationer crew member Emily Santos was on board the lifeboat and the exercise turned out to be her first real rescue.
The image of Largs Lifeboat is courtesy of RNLI/Alasdair Woods.
