Meanwhile, a report had reached Clyde Coastguard that another small boat, this time an open dinghy with three people on board, was being blown offshore from the mainland at Saltcoats while its occupants tried in vain to paddle ashore with pieces of wood.

At 2240 Troon's 44ft Waveney class lifeboat, Connel Elizabeth Cargill, with Coxswain/Mechanic Ian Johnson in command, left harbour in gathering darkness to search for the casualty. The wind by this time had backed to the north west and increased to a gentle to moderate breeze, force 3 to 4. Fishery protection vessel Moidart which was in the area also joined the search after receiving a PAN broadcast from the Coastguard. The lifeboat reached the area at 2302 and after 20 minutes, picked up a radar contact about a quarter of a mile ahead. It was the dinghy, its 3hp engine out of action and the two adults and ten-year-old child aboard cold, but unhurt. At 2324 the lifeboat was alongside the dinghy which was taken in tow after her occupants had been taken aboard. The lifeboat headed for Ardrossan where the survivors were landed at 2354; she then returned to Troon where, at 0105, she was refuelled and ready for service..