Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team

30/05/2026

18/05/2026

On Saturday, the Ardrossan and Largs Coastguard Rescue Team attended the “Marine Safety Day” organised by our friends at Largs Yacht Haven During the event, we displayed a range of specialist rescue equipment, including our water rescue kit (drysuits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), lifejackets, and throw bags), rope rescue kit (including the Obelisk quadpod, descender, and Alpine Lite stretcher), as well as our remote radio site mast.
We also showcased the area’s brand-new Operational Support Vehicle (OSV). This all-wheel-drive crew bus has been specifically designed and equipped to provide functions beyond basic transportation. In addition to carrying rescue equipment, the OSV offers on-scene command facilities through on-demand satellite communications, ensuring reliable contact between commanders and operational teams in all conditions.
The vehicle also provides welfare and logistical support during prolonged incidents, including access to hot water, equipment washing and decontamination facilities, drying capability, battery recharging, and seating for up to five personnel.
The RNLI lifeboat crews from Largs Lifeboat and RNLI Troon Lifeboat were also in attendance with their Atlantic 85 and Shannon-class lifeboats and carried out a rescue simulation involving an overturned kayak.
In addition, Simon from Go West Sailing delivered a demonstration on the use of marine flares, explaining the different flare colours, their meanings, and the situations in which they should be used.

Search and Rescue - it's what we do.

In a coastal emergency always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

09/05/2026

04/05/2026

21/04/2026

29/03/2026

Today, eight members from the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team attended the annual remembrance parade and service for HMS Dasher.
The salute at the march past was taken by HRH the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence who also led the wreath laying.

On the 27th of March 1943, one of the most devastating and least known maritime tragedies in British waters unfolded: the loss of HMS Dasher.
On 27 March 1943, during routine flight operations in the Firth of Clyde, just off Ardrossan, the es**rt carrier was torn apart by a catastrophic internal explosion. The force of the blast was so great it lifted the flight deck clear off the ship.
HMS Dasher sank in just eight minutes. Of the 528 men aboard, 379 were killed, marking the worst single wartime loss of life in the Clyde.
Early rumours pointed to enemy action, but investigations concluded the most likely cause was the ignition of volatile aviation fuel vapours, a constant danger aboard early es**rt carriers.
Under the Official Secrets Act, details were suppressed .
In 2013, surviving crew members were awarded the Arctic Star for their service on the Arctic Convoys.

Today, we remember the 379 men of HMS Dasher, lost not to enemy action, but to the harsh and unforgiving reality of war at sea.

In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

*Photos provided by Paul McGill (Ex Ardrossan CRT)

18/03/2026

40 YEARS DEDICATED SERVICE AWARD.
The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team gathered on station tonight for a 40 year service award presentation.
Coastguard Rescue Officer Rodger McBride was awarded his 2nd Clasp marking the milestone of 40 years service volunteering with HM Coastguard Search and Rescue at Ardrossan.
The Award was presented by Area 4 Divisional Commander Sue Todd, also present were Coastal Operations Area Commander Robbie Robertson and Senior Coastal Operations Officers Steve Muldoon and Paul Renfrew. The Ardrossan Team were also joined by the Station Officer and Deputy Station Officer from our flank team at Largs. Former Coastguard Rescue Officer Paul McGill, who recently retired from the service after serving 23 years was also a very welcome guest. Rodger's wife,son,daughter and family were also welcomed to our station for this significant event.
Over the 40 years Rodger has seen some significant changes to the service and has a adapted and thrived throughout. Rodger has just recently retired after a long nursing career which has aided him in becoming one of our Coastguard Emergency Response Casualty Care ( CERCC) instructors.
We wish Rodger all the best as he continues his Coastguard Career.
Search and Rescue – it’s what we do.
In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

08/03/2026

🌊 Celebrating our life saving women– International Women’s Day 2026🌊
Today, on , we’re celebrating the incredible women who dedicate their time and skills to saving lives along our Coast.

This International Women's Day, we're sharing the words of Tanya Warner — a Marine Surveyor helping to shape a safer, more inclusive maritime industry. This year's theme is "Give to Gain", and Tanya has plenty to give.

You belong here.

The maritime world can feel technical and male-dominated — but Tanya Warner, who joined the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as a Marine Surveyor, is proof that women not only belong in this industry, they make it stronger.

Tanya said: "I hope they see that this path is open to them... I want girls to recognise that careers in engineering, navigation, safety, regulation and the wider maritime sector are options for them – not because they need to change who they are but because their perspective genuinely strengthens the industry."

What she gives to others.

"What has helped me most is clear communication with colleagues and the confidence to ask questions – about both what we do and why we do it."

When supporting new recruits, Tanya wants to pass on exactly what was given to her: consistency, fairness, and open communication. "Those qualities make a challenging role feel achievable, and they create the kind of environment where people can grow and succeed."

Her advice to women entering the field today.

"Trust that you belong here. Your perspective and the way you solve problems are real strengths."

Tanya's message is clear: build relationships, ask questions, and be kind to yourself. "There will be moments that feel tough, and you may sometimes be the only woman in the room – but back yourself. Your voice matters and you deserve to be heard."

Happy International Women's Day.

05/03/2026

Last night the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team met on Station for team led training. As a category 1 emergency service, Coastguard Rescue Officers (CRO's) are highly trained in many areas of search, technical rescue and emergency casualty care. We also have to be very adept in moving between these specialised skill sets should an incident escalate.
We were joined on this exercise by colleagues from our flank team who are stationed down in Ayr.
For exercise purposes, the Officer in Charge (OIC) was given information from our Maritime Control Centre that a Person (our training manikin) had been seen entering the water at Ardrossan harbour, when on scene it was found that the casualty was now out of sight and we would be changing from a quick water rescue to a coastline search. Quickly, search teams were formed and sent on their way. The casualty was soon located near the bottom of the new rock armour at the new school site. Upon discovery, CROs stabilised the casualty's injuries (a broken leg and hypothermia) preparing them to be moved in the basket stretcher.
To add to the scenario there was an incoming tide, so the extrication would need to be back up the rock armour and over the sea wall.

There is no such thing as a 'standard search' for us, but some can and do escalate very quickly.

The scenario was completed well and after a debrief we returned to the Coastguard station to clean and restow our kit.

We must highlight that climbing on any rock armour is extremely hazardous. It can be very slippery with loose rocks and completely unforgiving if you fall. There are many gaps to fall into and get trapped, all with the added threat of an incoming tide.
We train on rock armour regularly so we're ready to act should a real incident arise. We have to be very cautious and only proceed with all necessary rescue equipment and PPE in place to affect a rescue.

Coastal Emergency? Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard!

🟡 HM Coastguard
🔵 To SEARCH
🔵 To RESCUE
🔵 To SAVE