THE Largs lifeboat crew was called to the rescue of a fishing boat which broke down near the entrance to Largs Marina at the weekend.

The emergency was raised shortly after 4pm on Saturday, April 15, after the Orkney-based vessel, with one person on board, suffered engine failure.

By the time the Largs RNLI lifeboat, RA Wilson, and its crew reached the scene, the boat's crewman had managed to stop the vessel colliding with breakwater rocks surrounding Largs Yacht Haven but had instead washed up on the beach to the south.

The lifeboat was able to manoeuvre into the shallows, where the crew dropped anchor, and the boat then veered slowly inshore until a volunteer crew member was able to walk safely through the shallow water to the stricken boat.

The RNLI crew member was able to speak with the solo passenger and establish all was well onboard the boat, and was then able to attach a tow line to the casualty vessel.

The lifeboat moved out of the bay into safer waters were it was able to establish an alongside tow.

David Linton, the lifeboat's helm, said: "Raising the alarm was the correct course of action when he knew he was in difficulty. His engine had broken down and he was close to the breakwater rocks at the marina entrance.

"We would remind anyone planning a trip to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and always carry a means of calling for help.

"If you get into difficulty, or see someone at risk or in trouble at the coast or in the sea, you should always dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

The fishing boat was returned to Largs Yacht Haven and handed over into the care of the Largs coastguard rescue team.

The Largs lifeboat and its crew returned to the lifeboat station at 5.30pm.