A large fishing boat trawler got into difficulty near Millport Bay in the early hours of Monday morning.

The emergency call out came at 2.10am when Belfast Belfast Coastguard requested the launch of the lifeboat after reports of a 70ft vessel with 6 persons on board had run aground off Cumbrae.

Cumbrae Coastguard Rescue Team and Largs inshore lifeboat were involved in the operation.

The volunteer crew assembled and Troon all weather lifeboat ‘RNLB Jim Moffat’ was soon launched to assist.

Largs lifeboat arrived on scene and after speaking to the vessel owner managed to the tow the vessel into deeper water where it was anchored.

Both lifeboats and the coastguard team remained on scene until checks were carried out onboard the casualty vessel.

With all checks completed and no further assistance required Belfast Coastguard then stood the all-weather lifeboat down.

Alasdair Woods, spokesman for Largs RNLI explained: "In view of the length and weight of the stricken vessel Troon All Weather lifeboat, being heavier and more powerful than the Largs Inshore lifeboat was also tasked to the scene.

"Due to the close proximity Largs lifeboat was first on scene at which time the lifeboat crew found the casualty to be broadside on the shore.

"During the night there were strong winds at times gusting to 50knots. This condition had caused the vessel to become detached from its mooring and blown ashore.

"Fortunately, at the time, the tide was rising, taking advantage of this fact Largs volunteer crew attached a tow rope to the heavy vessel and slowly she began to float and came free of the beach.

"She was towed out to an anchorage where she and her occupants were checked over, since there were no injuries or damage and everything was in order, two hours later the two RNLI lifeboats returned to their respective stations to be prepared for their next service call."