Call-Outs 2007



25th August 07 Duty Coxswain: n/a Nature of Call: Persons at Risk of Danger
A Launch Request from MRCC Clyde informed DLA of a small vessel with 3 young boys which appeared to be in trouble around 50yards from the rocky breakwater on the north side of Girvan Harbour. ALB crew were paged. On arrival at the Lifeboat J. Gourlay, DLA was informed that the boys were local, and known by him. A telephone call to the boys' parents confirmed that they had in fact swum ashore and that the boat had washed on to the rocks. Boat was recalled. _____________________
19th Aug 07 Duty Coxswain: R McMaster Nature of Call: Vessel in Distress
MRCC Clyde made a Launch request stating that they had a very broken call from yacht “Storm Cruiser”, 4miles from Ailsa Craig and experiencing poor weather conditions. The vessel had to drop sail and was only making 2 knots into the wind under power, and could they suggest a safe anchorage. Contact was lost with the yacht and we were asked to try and make contact with the vessel. After calling from boathouse with no reply and speaking with Coastguard, it was decided the Girvan ALB would proceed to the last known position, whilst trying to make contact with Storm Cruiser. Storm Cruiser was advised that the Lifeboat would escort them to Girvan Harbour, a safe haven, and only 5 miles away, if they wished, but “Storm Cruiser declined and asked if they could be escorted to Lamlash Harbour, 16.5 miles away instead. 2nd Cox informed casualty that this was inadvisable, and due to the weather conditions they should turn for Girvan, they declined. Coastguard reiterated the same but Storm Cruiser declined again. After liaison with Coastguard, LOM and DLA it was decide to recall the Lifeboat. _____________________
30th July 07 Duty Coxswain: Robert McMaster Nature of Call: Missing Child
Crew were assembled for weekly practise when we were asked by Girvan police to assist in the search for a 10 year old boy who had been missing for several hours. The boat was launched and we searched the lower area of the river Girvan and the harbour basin before commencing a search of the north shore. As we approached the water treatment plant app.1.5 miles north of Girvan harbour we were contacted by clyde coastguard who informed us that the boy had been found safe and well and we were stood down. The boat then continued on the planned exercise before returning to the station. _____________________
23rd July 07 Duty Coxswain: T Houston Nature of Call: Persons in Water
Boat was launched at the request of clyde coastguard. Report was of 4 persons in the water having capzised from a rubber dingy. Boat proceeded north towards casualty vessel and was approx. 5 miles from Girvan harbour when requested to stand down as survivers had reached the shore. _____________________
11th July 07 Coxswain: S Moffat Nature of Call: Fishing Vessel in Distress
Girvan ALB was launched at the request MRCC Clyde to MFV Cathzelle Approx 8.5 miles NW of Girvan, with the fishing net entangeled in it's propellor, and drifting. Contact was made with the casualty as the ALB proceeded to the scene, and it was agreed with the Casualty and Clyde that it wasn't possible for the casualty to enter Girvan Harbour for another 7 hours. Clyde then suggested that they launch Campbeltown ALB. The Fisheries Protection Vessel Jura was at this time proceeding to to the scene in response to the fishing vessel's distress call. On arrival at the scene the Jura was only 10 mins away and offered to tow the casualty toward Campbeltown thus allowing Girvan ALB to return to station. This offer was accepted, and at the request of Jura the tow was passed over by the Girvan ALB between the two vessels. Girvan ALB stayed on scene until the strain was on the tow. _____________________
*Back to Top*	21st May 07 Duty Coxswain: Nature of Call: Vessel in Distress
Girvan ALB was launch at the request of MRCC Clyde to a mayday call from yacht Seawixer. There were also reports of the same vessel ashore by members of the public 1.4 miles north of Girvan harbour. On clearing the harbour visual contact was made and the casualty crew were advised to don their lifejackets. On scene the yacht was lying in approx 5 feet of water with the anchor more or less in the vertical. A bow tow was secured, and the ALB backed off into deeper water, while the casualty crew retrieved their anchor. The tow was transfered to the stern and the vessel was returned to Girvan Harbour. _____________________
*Back to Top*	4th June 07 Duty Coxswain: Nature of Call: Injury Aboard Fishing Vessel
Lifeboat was launched at the request of MRCC Clyde to the MFV Vervine as the skipper of the said vessel had lost two fingers in an accident. On leaving the harbour contact was made with the vessel and was requested that they stay on the course for Girvan, thus reducing the distance between the vessels. As it was low water and the casualty could not enter Girvan Harbour, the injured skipper was transfered to the Lifeboat. First aid and Entinox were administered on the way back to Girvan. Coxwain asked Girvan Coast Guards if they could supply ice to keep the severed digits cool in case they could be saved. On arrival at Girvan the casualty was transfered to awaiting ambulance. _____________________
*Back to Top*	14th May 07 Coxswain: S Moffat Nature of Call: Vessel in Distress
Girvan ALB was tasked at 18.50 by MRCC Clyde to a yacht that had broken down 4 miles west of Girvan. Crew were already assembling for DDI and DDE's 6 monthly exercise. On this occasion it was to be a joint exercise with Troon ALB with the DDI on board. Girvan ALB made contact with the casualty as she left the berth and on arrival estabished that the vessel had suffered engine failure but was in fact able to proceed into Girvan Bay under sail. The Lifeboat and crew carried out various exercises with the DDE while they shortened the distance towards Girvan. 3/4 mile short of Girvan an ALB crew member was transfered to assist in lowering the sails. A tow was secured then the vessel was taken into Girvan Harbour and berthed safely alongside. _____________________
*Back to Top*	5th May 07 Duty Coxswain: R McMaster Nature of Call: Vessel in Distress
Launched to MFV Moian 1/2 mile south of Girvan harbour with engine problems. Arrived on scene and as the sea was flat it was decided to take the casualty alongside with ropes and springs and take her back to Girvan. _____________________
*Back to Top*	7th Apr 07 Duty Coxswain: R McMaster Nature of Call: Dog in Water
The boat was tasked by MRCC Clyde to assist in the recovery of a dog in the water at Culzean Castle, as it's owners feared their younger son was about to try and resuce the dog himself. After launch the boat was stood down because the dog left the water of it's own accord. _____________________
*Back to Top*	27th March 07 Duty Coxswain: R McMaster Nature of Call: n/a
ALB was Tasked to an incident but recalled before reaching the scene. _____________________
*Back to Top*	24th March 07 Duty Coxswain: G McGarvie Nature of Call: Search and Recovery
At 08.30hrs Girvan lifeboat was requested to launch by Clyde Coast Guard and Strathclyde police regarding an ongoing incident in the search and possible recovery of a missing person. Initial incident took place on Thursday 22nd March 2007. At this time Girvan lifeboat crew assembled, whereby the lifeboat left her moorings a short time later. Further updates from the coast guard were obtained, and a request that a close search of the coast area to the North and the south was carried out. At time of launch it was noted that the sea conditions was calm and the wind coming from the South West blowing 2–3. A detailed search from the South pier to woodlands bay (approx 2 miles south) and thereafter North to Brest rocks (approx 4 miles north). This resulted in a negative recovery of the missing person. At 11.30 hrs Girvan lifeboat returned to Girvan harbour and reported ready for duty. _____________________
*Back to Top*	23rd March 07 Duty Coxswain: Nature of Call: Search and Recovery
Lifeboat was re-launched to the previous nights incidents reports of missing person by Clyde MRCC. The same area was re-searched and nothing was found. The search area was extended 2.5 miles south and 3 miles north close inshore, then expanding offshore to a distance of 1 mile. Again nothing was found and the boat was recalled to Girvan at request of Clyde MRCC after 2 hours 45 mins. _____________________
*Back to Top*	22nd March 07 2nd Coxswain: R McMaster Nature of Call: Search and Recovery
Lifeboat was launched to same incident at request of Strathclyde Police via Clyde MRCC. In the interim the police helicopter with heat seeking equipment had searched the area for 45mins and found nothing. On arrival at the scene we again carried out a very detailed examination of the immediate area and launched the "Y" boat to search in to the beach in both directions. The search proved fruitless and the boat was recalled at request of Clyde MRCC. _____________________
*Back to Top*	22nd March 07 2nd Coxswain: R McMaster Nature of Call: Search and Recovery
Lifeboat launched at request of Clyde MRCC, to reports of a person entering the water at the end of Girvan south pier. The lifeboat searched the area - Coxswain also checked the steps and surrounding area where the personwas alleged to have entered the water. A search of this area found the pier to be dry and the steps and rungs were also dry i.e. no wet footprints, etc. therefore no evidence of the person having left the water. The lifeboat then extended the search area 1 mile south, then 1 mile north close inshore expanding west to 0.5 miles offshore. Nothing was found and the lifeboat was stood down on the instructions of Clyde MRCC. _____________________
*Back to Top*	9th March 07 2nd Coxswain: R McMaster Nature of Call: Search and Recovery
Having recived a report of a body in the water at Maidens harbour, Clyde Coastguard tasked the Girvan Lifeboat to carry out a search in the Maidens Bay area. The boat proceeded to Maidens and with assistance from Rescue Helicopter 177 carried out a search of the Maidens shoreline, as close as the tide would allow, to a distance 0.5 mile offshore. Having completed the search, and following discussions with Clyde Coastguard the search was stood down and was put down to another malicous hoax. This was the fourth such hoax to the same area in similar circumstances - dark and right on low water putting both the boat and crew in danger due to the nature of the reefs and rocks within the search area. _____________________
*Back to Top*	10th February 07 Duty Coxswain: G McGarvie Nature of Call: Vessel in Distress
At 1600 hrs Girvan lifeboat was requested to launch by Clyde Coast guard regarding a casualty being towed from Ireland by another vessel. Girvan lifeboat was earlier informed of this during the previous call out. At this time Girvan lifeboat crew assembled, whereby the lifeboat left her moorings at 1610 hrs. During the course of this action further updates from the coast guard were obtained. It was thereafter confirmed that the casualty, was approx 3 mile off Girvan harbour, and requesting that Girvan Lifeboat attend and assist in the towing of Fishing vessel “Day Dawn”. About 1620 hrs Girvan lifeboat was on scene, assisting the casualty. Due to the tidal condition falling within Girvan Harbour, it was at this point the tow was taken on. About 1700 hrs Girvan lifeboat entered, Girvan harbour and safely assisted “Day Dawn” to moor along side the berth area. Girvan lifeboat thereafter obtained fuel and returned to her moorings ready for service. _____________________
*Back to Top*	10th February 07 Duty Coxswain: G McGarvie Nature of Call: Persons in Distress
At 1215 hrs Girvan lifeboat was requested to launch by Clyde Coast guard regarding a casualty in the water just off Maidens harbour. At this time Girvan lifeboat crew assembled, whereby the lifeboat left her moorings at 1230 hrs. During the course of this action further updates from the coast guard were obtained. It was thereafter confirmed that the casualty, was in fact a stricken wind surfer requiring assistance. About 1300 hrs Girvan lifeboat was on scene, assisting the casualty. Due to the sea state and tidal restrictions, Girvan lifeboat was unable to enter Maidens harbour, therefore the casualty was taken to Girvan harbour. Whilst on the boat the casualty was given basic first aid, however the need for this was limited due to the casualties personal protective equipment being of a high standard, and offering maximum protection. About 1340hrs Girvan lifeboat entered, Girvan harbour and returned to her moorings ready for service. _____________________
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