CUMBRAE Coastguard Rescue Team was called to assist a vessel struggling to return to shore on Monday.

The team was tasked just after 6pm to a report of a vessel struggling to return to shore in the area of West Bay.

Local weather conditions saw a strong breeze from the West with light rain and heavy cloud, meaning that any vessel not under power would be carried east towards the open water of Millport Bay.

Prior to leaving the station, it was clarified that the vessel was a grey RIB with three people aboard and the vessel had since been seen to make it safely ashore.

With darkness approaching and in order to confirm the situation, the team deployed to West Bay and completed a shoreline search across the shingle and boulders from Foul Port towards the boatyard.

A vessel which had been secured and matching the initial description was identified in the area between the old swimming pool and the toilet block.

The member of the public who had called 999 confirmed this was the vessel in question and the occupants had been seen safely ashore on foot.

A CCRT spokesperson added: "It was believed that the vessel may have been experiencing intermittent engine trouble while returning to shore and this underscores why it is vital to check and maintain your equipment, as well as considering 'what if' scenarios before you go on the water.

"If you see someone who may be in trouble at the coast or on the water, don't delay - dial 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard."