Largs lifeboat and her volunteer crew members sprang into action on three separate occasions during a recent weekend of atrocious weather.

On Saturday 25 September at 2.40pm, a yacht with five people on board broadcast a Mayday message due to engine overheating problems.

The lifeboat proceeded in very blustery conditions, South West wind Force 7, to the area two miles south of Little Cumbrae. Information was received that an fishing vessel had also responded to the Mayday and now had the 10 meter yacht under tow.

Alasdair Woods of Largs RNLI explained: "The tow was passed to the Largs lifeboat, a difficult operation given the sea conditions, the fishing boat proceeded on passage leaving the lifeboat to tow the yacht to Largs Yacht Haven where assistance was provided in securing the vessel and landing her occupants."

The second service was around 1pm on the next day, again in response to a Mayday call from a yacht dismasted.

The RNLI returned to the area south west of Little Cumbrae, and en route, the lifeboat received information that a Cumbrae Water sport Centre RIB inflatable had responded to the Mayday and taken the yacht in tow.

Having confirmed the two occupants were well and in no danger the lifeboat returned to station.

Only two hours later a third call was received to a report of two people in the water in West Bay, Millport.

Minutes after the lifeboat was launched it was advised that the two persons involved had made their way back to shore and were in no danger.

The lifeboat returned to station to be made ready for her next service.