THE Largs lifeboat crew and Cumbrae's coastguard rescue team raced to help after a yacht got into difficulty in Millport Bay.

One person was on board when the yacht's pickup line got trapped in the vessel's bow thruster.

A member of the RNLI crew had to enter the water to free the yacht from one of the bay's visitor moorings after the alarm was raised at 4.30pm on Thursday, July 19.

Once freed, the yacht was able to make its way to Largs Yacht Haven.

Due to part of the line still being trapped in the bow thruster, the casualty vessel had to proceed under reduced power.

The  lifeboat escorted the vessel out of Millport Bay before being stood down by HM Coastguard.

Michael Holcombe, helm at Largs RNLI, said: ‘The casualty vessel made the right decision to call for help when they realised they were in difficulties.

‘I would advise anyone taking to the water to make sure they are suitably equipped. This includes having communications equipment on board, and knowing how to ask for help if needed.

"Even the most experienced sailors can encounter unexpected difficulties at sea."

A spokesperson for Cumbrae Coastguard said: "We were tasked to respond to a vessel in Millport Bay whose bow thruster had ingested a pickup line from one of the visitor moorings.

"Largs Lifeboat RNLI had also been tasked and arrived on scene to confirm there was one person aboard, who was uninjured, and who intended to attempt to free the vessel before getting under way.

"Once it was confirmed that the vessel had been successfully freed with help from the lifeboat crew, it began to make its way under reduced power to Largs Yacht Haven.

"A brisk wind coming up from the south meant that Largs RNLI escorted the vessel out of the bay as it headed into the wind from behind the shelter of the offshore breakwater, to ensure its safe passage into more sheltered waters, before they returned to station.

"Poor visibility, caused by heavy overcast cloud, combined with the reduced maneuverability of the vessel, posed an increased risk, so the team monitored its progress as it rounded Farland Point and made its way north up the Largs Channel towards Largs Marina, where it was met by the Largs coastguard rescue team.

"The vessel in question did exactly the right thing in calling for help early and was equipped with a VHF radio to enable easy communication with HM Coastguard.

"If you're heading out on the water on your vessel, make sure your radio is working and you know how and when to use it."

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.