TROON’S RLNI Coastguard crew were called after water got into a sailing vessel.

At 5.46pm on Thursday, July 13, Belfast Coastguard were contacted by a 27ft sailing vessel with two people on board.

The boat was taking on water, approximately two nautical miles south of Ardrossan.

The Belfast team paged Troon’s RNLI team, requesting the launch of the all-weather and inshore lifeboats to the scene.

A spokesman for Troon’s RNLI, said: “In poor visibility and rain showers, the volunteer crew launched Trent class all-weather lifeboat ‘RNLB Jim Moffat’ and D-Class inshore lifeboat making best speed to the casualty vessel.

“After a short passage, the lifeboats approached the casualty vessel and a crew member from the inshore lifeboat was put on board.

“The reason for the water ingress was established and a temporary fix was put in place by the crew.

“With the all-weather lifeboat standing by, the inshore lifeboat established an alongside tow and the sailing vessel was towed to Clyde Marina, Ardrossan where it was met by the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team.

“With the casualty vessel safely in the marina, the lifeboats stood down, returning to Troon where they were refuelled and made ‘ready for service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.”