Warning issued after RNLI Largs rescues paddleboarders amid 'strong winds'

Lifeboat crews rescued two paddleboarders to safety after they became caught up in strong winds near Largs.

Largs RNLI crew were requested to launch at 1.28pm on Saturday to help a paddleboarder and kayaker possibly in difficulty between Hunterston and Wee Cumbrae Island.

The crew was stood down before arriving at the scene, however, on their return journey they spotted two paddleboarders fishing near the Lifeboat Station.

Due to strong offshore winds, the crew approached the paddleboarders and offered them assistance amid worsening conditions.

The paddleboarders were taken back to shore where they could walk their paddleboards back up the beach.

Whilst the boat was being recovered, the Station Launch Authorities requested the lifeboat be retasked to a small, moored vessel in the vicinity of Ascog Bay, Ilse of Bute, which was “possibly taking on water and sinking”.

However, upon their arrival, the crew found the yacht was sitting low in the water with no sign of anyone on board and all hatches secured.

Largs Lifeboat helm, Dave Hewitt said the incicdents showed how quickly people can get into difficulty.

“The weather was nice and warm, but the wind was a strong offshore wind, which made the sea look very calm,” he said.

“For paddleboards we would always ask they only launch in wind speeds they are able to get back ashore and always carry a means of alerting people that they need assistance.”