Yacht ablaze AT 2225 ON THE NIGHT OF Saturday September 8, 1984, Clyde coastguard reported a yacht aground, north of Hunterston power station. Three minutes later the relief Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat, William Yeo, ontemporary duty at Largs, was launched.

She was manned by Helmsman David Hewitt and Crew Members Bernard Andrews and Neil Harrison.

It was raining heavily, there was a southerly breeze, force 3, and when the lifeboat located the yacht, at 2238, she was found to be burning fiercely in an area of shoal water and underlying obstructions. Visibility was impaired by the smoke but the lifeboat crew could just discern a faint light 10 to 15 yards north east of the yacht. The light was from a small inflatable dinghy which had four adults and three young children on board. At the same time cries for help were coming from somewhere in the water but, because the dinghy was in imminent danger of being swamped, Helmsman Hewitt decided it was important to take the occupants on board as soon as possible. This was quickly carried out while the two people in the water were located and kept in view by using the searchlight. Then they, too, were picked out of the water and the helmsman headed back to Largs lifeboat station with all nine survivors, in varying states of shock and exposure.

They were examined by the honorary medical adviser back at the station, given dry clothes and taken by ambulance to Inverclyde Hospital. The lifeboat was refuelled, rehoused and ready again for service at 0015.

The accident had come about when the yacht ran aground, broadcast a MAYDAY and was set ablaze while firing a distress flare. The crew were then forced to abandon ship.

For this service, a letter signed by Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, director, was sent to Largs station honorary secretary, passing on appreciation to all the crew and shore helpers who took part..