A RESCUE team in Largs helped three people on a 47-ft yacht after engine failure.

The volunteer crew from the RNLI at the Largs Lifeboat station was paged at 5.05pm on Saturday, September 9 after the skipper of the yacht had contacted the UK Coastguard requesting assistance.

The team was advised that the yacht had been motoring in the vicinity of the East Kyles of Bute when its engine failed.

Rather than continuing its journey, the skipper decided the best option would be to try and sail back to Largs, where the yacht was berthed.

As the vessel was approaching the north of Largs, the light winds that were allowing it to make slow but steady progress stopped. 

Due to the location of the sailboat, the volunteer crew had a very short transit from launching to being alongside.

On arrival, and after discussing and assessing the situation, the volunteer helmsman decided the safest option would be to place a crew member on board and take the yacht under tow back to Largs Yacht Haven.

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The volunteer crew was released from service after the rescue and returned to station where the lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for the next service.

John Griffiths, Lifeboat operations manager, said: "Although the yacht suffered issues with its engine some distance away, it had tried to make its own way back to their berth before calling the Coastguard.

"If any other pleasure craft users find themselves in the same situation it is advisable to make the Coastguard aware of your situation sooner than later, even if you do intend on trying to get back without initial assistance.

"The Coastguard would keep in contact via radio or mobile phone to ensure all is okay until you are back safe. It can also make local rescue services aware of the situation and that it is being monitored just in case anything changes."