A Largs Lifeboat operations boss has reminded boat users to carry out full safety checks after a triple whammy of call-outs for vessels in difficulty in the Firth of Clyde.

John Griffiths has reminded all boat users of the necessity of having the full safety checks before taking their vessels out to sea after a spike in call-outs coinciding with the good weather.

The sunny weather this weekend led to a busy time for the volunteer crew at Largs RNLI as they responded to three calls.

The first of these was on Friday May 17, shortly before 7pm, when a request was received from HM Coastguard to assist a yacht in difficulty located off Toward Point.

The yacht was towed to the nearest safe haven at Port Bannatyne where those on board were handed over to the care of the coastguard rescue team.

Pagers sounded shortly before 5pm on Saturday after a plea to assist a yacht aground in Millport bay.

As the volunteers were launching the lifeboat, the vessel reported they had been able to re-float and were looking for an escort to Inverkip Marina. This request was declined and instead, the lifeboat would escort the vessel to the nearest safe haven at Largs Yacht Haven.

On arrival at the scene the casualty vessel declined the escort to Largs Yacht Haven and decided to proceed to Inverkip Marina unaided.

Largs lifeboat monitored their progress to ensure all was well with the vessel after the grounding and, after their journey was established, HM Coastguard instructed Largs lifeboat to stand down.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

The final shout of the weekend then occurred on Sunday, when Largs lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard to respond to reports of a broken down vessel to the south of Great Cumbrae.

Largs lifeboat was launched shortly after midday and upon arrival the crew were able to quickly make the decision to tow the vessel to the nearest safe haven, Largs Yacht Haven, as the vessel was drifting into the shipping channel.

A tow was completed safely and after handing over to the local Coastguard Rescue Team, at Largs Yacht Haven.

John Griffiths, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Largs RNLI, said: "It was a busy weekend for our volunteer crew, with excellent teamwork on display by volunteers both on the lifeboat and on the shore.

"With the warmer months approaching, more people are taking to their boats for recreation. We would urge people to complete full safety checks on their equipment before taking to sea.

"We would also like to remind everyone enjoying our coastline to do so safely, ensuring they wear appropriate clothing and lifejackets and carry a means of communication to get help if required.

‘If you get into difficulty at sea or along the coast, or spot someone else in trouble always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard’."