11-07-2025
Missing sea kayaker rescued by Ayrshire lifeboat crew
Volunteers from Troon RNLI rescued a missing sea kayaker from the Firth of Clyde around a mile off the coast of Ayr.
An Ayrshire lifeboat crew rescued a missing sea kayaker in the Firth of Clyde last night, Thursday.
Coastguard rescue teams and Troon RNLI responded after a sea kayaker was reported missing off the coast of Ayr shortly before 10.45pm.
Volunteer crews from the RNLI quickly launched their new lifeboat, RNLB Roy Barker VI, on its first callout.
Ayr and Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Teams also made their way to scene assist with the search from the shore.
Despite the fading light, Troon RNLI managed to find the kayaker and rescued them from the water before taking them back to Ayr harbour to meet the Coastguard and Scottish Ambulance Service.
Following treatment by paramedics, the kayaker was taken home.
A spokesperson for Troon RNLI said: "The first operational tasking for our new RNLI Shannon class all-weather lifeboat came at 10.43pm on Thursday, July 10 after Belfast Coastguard were notified about a missing sea kayaker off the coast of Ayr.
"With pagers activated, the volunteers made their way to the lifeboat station launching 'RNLB Roy Barker VI' to take part in a search involving Ayr and Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Teams.
"In fading light, the lifeboat headed south to commence a search. Approximately a mile offshore, a casualty was located in the water and recovered onto the lifeboat.
"Immediate casualty care was undertaken by the crew as the lifeboat headed into Ayr harbour where the casualty was transferred to the care of the Ambulance service and Coastguard Teams.
"After treatment in the ambulance the casualty was taken home and discharged from care.
"With this news the lifeboat was able to return to station, where it was made ready for service with the assistance of the shore crew."