A teenager was airlifted to safety after falling on rocks at Culzean Beach in Ayrshire on Wednesday afternoon. The incident prompted a major emergency response involving two coastguard teams and a search and rescue helicopter.
Emergency Response Details
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency reported that at 2:59 pm on Wednesday 15 July, HM Coastguard received reports of a teenager who had fallen on rocks at Culzean Beach. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Girvan and Ayr were dispatched, along with an HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter. The casualty was cared for by coastguards on site before being airlifted to a landing area, where they were handed over to the Scottish Ambulance Service for further medical attention.
RNLI Volunteers Busy with Multiple Callouts
In related coastal safety news, RNLI volunteers at Troon lifeboat station have had a particularly busy period amid warm weather and increased sea activity. On Sunday 12 July at 5:51 pm, Belfast Coastguard activated the pagers following reports of paddleboarders in difficulty north of Ardrossan, near the Waterside Hotel. The crew launched the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat ‘RNLB Roy Barker VI’ and located two people on a single paddleboard who were struggling against an offshore wind. Both individuals were taken aboard the lifeboat and transported to Ardrossan Harbour, where they were met by the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team.
Further Taskings on Tuesday 14 July
Tuesday saw two additional callouts for the Troon lifeboat crew. The first came at 11:22 am when Belfast Coastguard was alerted to a paddleboarder in difficulty at South Beach, Troon. The crew began mustering to launch both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats, but before launch, the coastguard confirmed the paddleboarder was safely ashore, and no further assistance was required.
The second launch occurred at 2:26 pm when Belfast Coastguard, notified by Coastwatch Irvine, reported a Soft Inflatable Boat (SIB) possibly in difficulty about 300 metres from the beach. The Shannon class all-weather lifeboat was launched and made best speed to Irvine, where the boat and its two occupants were located. All were taken onboard and transported into Irvine harbour, then transferred to the waiting Coastguard Rescue Team. The lifeboat returned to Troon, was refuelled, and made ready for service.
Safety Reminder from RNLI
Following the recent rise in callouts, Troon RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond said: "It has been a busy start to the summer for our lifeboat volunteers, and I thank them all, and their families, for the time they provide to assist those who find themselves in difficulty along the Ayrshire coast. As we enjoy some good weather and as a result see an increase in coastal activities, we would like to remind anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to enjoy themselves but to go prepared. Check weather and tides before venturing out, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
Troon's RNLI lifeboat station will host its Open Day on Saturday 18 July between 11 am and 4 pm.
