Three people rescued after 48ft yacht lost power 'dangerously' close to shore in South Lanarkshire

Three people were rescued after a 48ft yacht lost power and sailed “dangerously close” to shore in South Lanarkshire.

RNLI Girvan Lifeboat crews were called out for the first time this year after reports of the sailing vessel in distress near Lendalfoot at around 1.56am on Wednesday.

The all-weather lifeboat battled “squally and lumpy” conditions, arrived at the scene, and towed the vessel from its dangerous position after ensuring everyone aboard was fine.

With no power on the vessel, the yacht crew had to cut away the anchor manually that was put down to prevent further drifting.

The vessel was towed back to the harbour at around 3.50am.

Callum Govus, Girvan Lifeboat coxswain, said the crew on the yacht had done all the right things once they discovered a problem.

“In this case, the crew of the yacht, once they had discovered there was a problem, did all the right things, ensuring they were wearing the correct safety equipment, dropping their anchor to hold position and calling for help,” he said.

He urged anyone heading to sea to ensure they are correctly prepared with safety equipment.

“If you are heading to sea for any reason, ensure, like in this case,e you have the correct safety equipment, always wear lifejackets and have appropriate means of calling or signalling for help, this could be VHF radio, mobile phones, distress flares or personal locator beacons, you never know when a situation may arise and it’s always best to be prepared,” he added.

“Remember if you see or believe someone to be in trouble at sea or along our coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”