Lifeboats from Girvan and Troon braved force 8 gale winds to rescue a fishing vessel last week
RNLI volunteers braved treacherous conditions last week to rescue a fishing vessel with a net caught around its propeller.
The incident, which happened last Wednesday, saw lifeboats from Girvan and Troon launched following a request by Belfast Coastguard.
Spes Bona was a mile and a half west of Turnberry Point when it reported a problem with its propeller.
RNLI crewman battled freezing conditions with driving rain and Force 8 South Westerly gale force winds to reach the stricken vessel.
On arrival, the weather continued to deteriorate and volunteers worked to establish a towline to the boat after the caught netting had been cut away.
An RNLI spokesperson said: “It was determined due to conditions, tide and size of the fishing vessel that the boat would be towed to Troon Harbour.
“Once near Heads of Ayr, the tow was transferred to Troon lifeboat, with Girvan Lifeboat relocating to the stern of the fishing boat, where a line was attached allowing Girvan Lifeboat to be utilized as a drogue, allowing better control of the fishing vessel in the weather conditions.”
At around 6.30pm, both lifeboats and the fishing vessel arrived safely at Troon Harbour, where it was securely berthed.
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