RNLI lifeboat capsizes during Clyde rescue

The inshore lifeboat R A Wilson capsized after being called out to an emergency

An RNLI lifeboat capsized after being called out to an emergency, leaving four volunteer crew members in the water.

The inshore lifeboat RA Wilson, from Largs RNLI, was called out to help a fishing vessel that had started taking on water at about 11:35 on Wednesday.

The crew managed to quickly right the lifeboat and got back onboard before being escorted back to Largs lifeboat station. The fishing boat later sank.

Two people who had been onboard the fishing vessel were winched onto a rescue helicopter and taken ashore for medical assessment.

The four RNLI volunteers were checked over by paramedics and were uninjured.

The Largs-based Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat suffered some damage and is unavailable while repairs are undertaken.

Assistance from nearby vessels

Emergency cover for the area will be delivered by nearby RNLI's lifeboat stations and a relief vessel will be taken to Largs.

The RNLI's head of region, Jill Hepburn, said: "We are relieved that our volunteer crew were uninjured.

"They were able to follow their training and reright the lifeboat and bring it alongside the marina in Largs."

She added an investigation into the incident will be carried out.

Coastguard teams from Greenock, Largs and Cumbrae as well as a search and rescue helicopter and another RNLI lifeboat from Troon attended the incident.

"Nearby vessels were notified of the emergency and offered their assistance," a spokesperson for HM Coastguard said.

Among the vessels that diverted to assist in the rescue were the CalMac ferries MV Glen Sannox and MV Loch Shira.

Glen Sannox is currently unable to operate from Troon because work is being carried out on the harbour, so the newest ship in the CalMac fleet has been moved to Greenock for some snagging work to be carried out.