An RNLI lifeboat capsized during a dramatic rescue operation in the Firth of Clyde on Wednesday. The incident occurred as emergency crews responded to a sinking fishing vessel near Little Cumbrae island.
The crew of a 10-metre trawler raised the alarm just north of Little Cumbrae island at 11:35am. Lifeboats from Troon and Largs were immediately dispatched to the scene, along with Coastguard rescue helicopter 199.
Lifeboat crew in water
The inshore lifeboat from Largs capsized while en route to the rescue location. All four crew members were thrown into the water during the incident.
The experienced crew quickly managed to right their vessel and were escorted back to Largs harbour. Paramedics checked over all crew members, with no injuries reported from the capsizing.
Fishing vessel rescue completed
Two people were successfully airlifted to safety from the sinking trawler by the Coastguard helicopter. The fishing vessel subsequently sank after the crew were rescued.
Investigation launched
The Largs lifeboat, named RA Wilson, suffered damage in the capsizing incident. The RNLI has deployed a relief lifeboat to cover the area while the original vessel undergoes repairs.
Jill Hepburn, the RNLI's head of region, said: "We are relieved that our volunteer crew were uninjured. They were able to follow their training and re-right the lifeboat and bring it back to Largs. We are currently carrying out an investigation in conjunction with the MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch) into the incident."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
