A Largs RNLI rescue operation in gale force conditions was put into action on Monday morning.
Largs Lifeboat launched at 11.59am following a report of a person in the water and holding on to a kayak off Ardbeg Point, Isle of Bute.
The lifeboat launched with its volunteer crew into North Easterly Gale Force 8 conditions and proceeded to the area and commenced a search assisted by the Cal Mac Rothesay ferry.
Information was then received, following discussion with the member of public reporting the incident, that what was thought to be a person in the water was in fact a mooring buoy which in the prevailing conditions was being covered by sea thus giving the false impression seen from the shore.
The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving at 12.52pm, was refuelled, washed down and rehoused ready for its next service.
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