A BOAT with ten people on board had to be rescued during a major operation involving Largs RNLI.

A May Day distress call was made just after 4.30pm on Sunday, after a 999 call from the vessel south west of the Isle of Bute.

The crew onboard reported that they were taking on water and most were suffering from the effects of sea sickness.

Largs RNLI was involved in the multi agency response along with Tighnabruaich and Troon lifeboats, local coastguard teams and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Initially two crew members from Largs lifeboat were transferred to the vessel, assisted by one crew member from Troon. Casualty care was provided to the eight adults and two children on board.

All were then taken to Portavadie marina, transferred to a local coastguard team and assessed by ambulance paramedics.

The vessel was taken to Tighnabruaich by the RNLI.

Speaking after the callout, an RNLI spokesperson said, ‘Working together, each other three volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews from Troon, Largs and Tighnabruaich, demonstrated a high level of team work which meant that all persons were safely transferred back to shore."