Largs Lifeboat was called to investigate a number of lifejackets seen floating in the sea off Bute.

The voluntary crew were called by Belfast Coastguard who said a yacht crew had spotted a number of the buoyancy aids floating in the water.

Largs lifeboat proceeded to the area where they spoke with the crew of the yacht and the coastguard at which time an extensive search of the area was undertaken.

Two Cal Mac ferries - ‘Argyll’ and ‘Bute’ also maintained a look-out, the latter having retrieved a lifejacket some two miles away returned it to their offices at Wemyss bay.

Meantime, the crew of a 35 foot yacht waved down the lifeboat reporting engine problems. After a discussion with the yacht crew, the lifeboat members were assured the vessel and those onboard were sufficiently confident to continue on passage to Port Bannatyne.

The lifeboat resumed and continued the lifejacket search, as no further debris was found and considering the poor condition of the ones found, it was concluded that they had been in the water for some time. On learning this, the coastguard released the lifeboat from the scene.

Back at station, just as the lifeboat was being recovered, a second call from Belfast Coastguard was received reporting a yacht which had grounded close to Kames Bay, Isle of Bute.

Once again, the lifeboat launched, as a tow rope was rigged and the yacht towed off the sandbank.

As there was no evidence of damage, or injury, the yacht was able to make her own way under lifeboat escort back to Port Bannatyne marina where local coastguards assisted in securing her alongside.

On completion, the lifeboat returned to station some four hours after her initial launch.