WIND SURFER RESCUED NORTH OF TROON

A windsurfer has been taken to hospital this afternoon after being rescued from the water off the Ayrshire coast at Irvine, just north of Troon.

Clyde Coastguard received a call from Strathclyde Police at informing them of a windsurfer who looked to be in difficulties and was being blown offshore in a strong easterly breeze. Both the all weather and inshore Troon RNLI lifeboats were requested to launch and were on scene quickly, aided by the Strathclyde Police helicopter. Coastguard Rescue officers from Ardrossan were also tasked to the incident.

Katherine Self, Coastguard Watch Assistant at Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre said:

‘The Police helicopter was able to mark the position of the stricken windsurfer, who had become separated from his board and sail, until the lifeboats arrived on scene. The 28 year old windsurfer from Glasgow was taken aboard the inshore lifeboat before being transferred to the all weather lifeboat and taken to Troon Lifeboat station. The casualty was hypothermic having been in the water for some time. The Scottish Ambulance Service met the lifeboat and transferred the casualty to hospital. His board and sail were towed back to the lifeboat station by the inshore lifeboat.’

Unexpected things can happen in the water no matter how experienced you are. A buoyancy aid will keep you afloat and give rescuers extra time to get to you.


For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Duty Press Officer
Office hours: 023 8032 9401Mobile: 07764 624 505

Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

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