Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat

28/08/2026

🚨𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 - 𝟭𝟲/𝟬𝟴/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲🚨

At 1912 hours on Sunday 16/08/2026, the crew of Stranraer RNLI were tasked by UK Coastguard following a report that a person had fallen from a cliff at a coastal location.

Following the tasking, the crew quickly assembled and prepared Stranraer Lifeboat for service.

Due to the location and nature of the incident, the decision was made to launch the ILB from the closest suitable alternative launch point, enabling the crew to reach the area of the casualty as quickly and safely as circumstances allowed.

Once launched, the ILB and volunteer crew made their way to the reported location, where a multi-agency emergency response was already underway.

On arrival, the ILB crew joined HM Coastguard rescue teams and Scottish Ambulance Service personnel, working alongside those on scene and providing assistance wherever required.

The Stranraer RNLI crew remained on scene supporting the ongoing operation while the casualty was cared for by Scottish Ambulance Service and Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Following the response at the scene, the casualty was subsequently conveyed by helicopter for further treatment of their injuries.

With the casualty in the care of the appropriate medical services and the lifeboat crew’s assistance no longer required, the ILB was stood down by UK Coastguard.

The crew then returned to the launch point, where the lifeboat was recovered before being transported back to station. The ILB and equipment were then checked, prepared, ensuring the ILB was once again ready for service.

Coastal incidents, particularly those involving cliffs and difficult to access sections of coastline, can develop quickly and present significant challenges for emergency responders. This service call once again demonstrated the importance of close cooperation between the emergency services, with each bringing their own specialist skills, experience and equipment to ensure casualties can be reached, cared for and assisted as safely and effectively as possible in challenging coastal environments.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗡𝗟𝗜 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆.

Also in attendance were Portpatrick Lifeboat, Stranraer coastguard, HM Coastguard - Portpatrick, HM Coastguard - Drummore, Scottish Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard R199, Great North Air Ambulance.

RNLI

26/08/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗡𝗟𝗜 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

Following a long period of dedicated and intensive training, both here at the Stranraer RNLI Station and at the RNLI College in Poole, Stevie Dewar has successfully passed out as a Helm and Search & Rescue Commander of our D-class lifeboat.

This is a huge achievement and means Stevie is now qualified to take command of our D-class lifeboat and its volunteer crew when responding to search and rescue incidents. It represents countless hours of training, assessments and commitment to developing the skills and knowledge required to lead a lifeboat crew when it matters most.

A massive congratulations also goes to Harry Wilson, who successfully passed his Tier 2 assessment, marking another significant milestone in his training and progression as a member of Stranraer’s volunteer lifeboat crew.

Both Stevie and Harry are absolute assets to Stranraer Lifeboat Station. Their commitment, enthusiasm and willingness to continually develop their skills strengthens the whole crew and, most importantly, helps ensure we are ready to respond when the call comes.

𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙧𝙖𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙉𝙇𝙄 𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙩 𝙊𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙨𝙤𝙣🗣️

“I’m extremely proud of both Stevie and Hardy and what they have achieved. A huge amount of time, commitment and training goes into reaching these milestones, and both are a real asset to Stranraer Lifeboat Station”

𝙍𝙉𝙇𝙄 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙢 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙧🗣️

“I’m absolutely delighted to have passed out as a Helm and Search & Rescue Commander. It’s taken a lot of hard work and training, both here at Stranraer and at the RNLI College in Poole, so it’s a very proud moment for me.

“There’s a huge amount of responsibility that comes with taking command of the lifeboat, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and to continuing to learn alongside a fantastic crew here at Stranraer.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped and supported me throughout my training, particularly the crew and training team at Stranraer and the RNLI instructors and assessors. You don’t achieve something like this on your own, it’s very much a team effort.”

𝗔 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗶 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.

From everyone at Stranraer RNLI, congratulations Stevie and Harry! 👏🌊

(Pictured Lifeboat Trainer Assessor Ali Young, Helm Stevie Dewar, Crew Member Harry Wilson)

RNLI

16/08/2026

🚨𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 - 𝟭𝟱/𝟬𝟴/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲🚨

At 1628 hours on Saturday 15/08/2026, Stranraer RNLI was tasked for an Immediate Launch by UK Coastguard, following a report of an orange lifejacket, possibly with a person in it, in the vicinity of Cairn Lighthouse.

Stranraer ILB launched at 1645 hours and made best speed towards the area. With the wind coming from the north and the lifeboat approaching from the south, the crew carried out an initial search for the reported object.

With nothing sighted, UK Coastguard provided a search area extending from the Stena terminal south towards Innermessan. The ILB then searched north and south along the coastline, progressively stepping the search area approximately 100 metres further offshore on each pass.

Following an extensive search and a review of the information by UK Coastguard, the incident was determined to be a false alarm with good intent.

The ILB was stood down at approximately 1930 hours, and returned to station and made ready for service.

Also involved in the search were:

Coastguard Rescue 897, Portpatrick Lifeboat, Stranraer coastguard, HM Coastguard - Portpatrick, HM Coastguard - Drummore, Ballantrae Coastguard

We would always encourage anyone who believes they have seen someone in difficulty at sea or along the coast to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

14/08/2026

🚶‍♂️𝟴𝟮 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦. 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣. 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘.🌊🛟

One of our Stranraer RNLI crew members, Iain Munro, is preparing to take on an incredible endurance challenge in aid of the RNLI.

Starting at 1200 on Friday 21st of August, Iain will attempt to walk the entire 82 mile Rhins of Galloway Coastal Path non-stop, tackling more than 1,310 metres of ascent along the way.

Iain will set off from the official start of the Rhins Coastal Path on the shore of Loch Ryan, beside the Old Harbour Master’s Office in Stranraer.

From there, he’ll head north to the most northerly point of his challenge at Corsewall Lighthouse, before turning south and making his way past Killantringan Lighthouse to Portpatrick.

🌙 Through the night, he’ll continue from Portpatrick towards Port Logan, before pushing on to the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse.

From the Mull, the homeward journey begins, through Ardwell and into the final 12 miles back to where it all started in Stranraer 🏁

𝟴𝟮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀. 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽. 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.

Iain is aiming to complete the challenge in around 42 hours. While many people have enjoyed walking the Rhins Coastal Path in sections since its completion, Iain is hoping to become the first person to complete the entire route in one continuous effort.

Most importantly, he’s doing it to raise vital funds for the RNLI, helping our volunteer crews continue saving lives at sea.

From everyone at Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat Station:

Good luck, Iain! We will all be behind you and will be with you every step of the way. 🧡💙

And whatever state those legs are in when you finish…

don’t forget you’ve got training on Monday night! 😂🛟

👉 𝗧𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗜𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/rhins83?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Please give Iain your support, share his challenge and help us cheer him on as he takes on all 82 miles!

12/08/2026

🌊 𝗔 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲

Following our previous post about the recent service call, Keith Scott, Stonehaven RNLI, has shared his experience of what happened that day:

💬 “At first, my wife and I weren’t sure what we were seeing, but then we heard what sounded like cries for help.

“We jumped into our dinghy and reached them as quickly as we could. One casualty was managing to float on their back in the Float to Live position, with their ears submerged in the water. The other two were really struggling, and the wind and tide were carrying them further offshore.

“My RNLI training gave me the confidence to step in, provide the right support and advise the casualties as we brought them back to shore. I’m just so glad I was there and able to reach them so quickly, especially given how time-critical the situation was.”

🛟 𝗪𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗢?

If you unexpectedly find yourself in difficulty in the water, your instinct might be to panic and try to swim. Instead, remember 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘:

🔹 Tilt your head back with your ears submerged.

🔹 Relax and try to control your breathing.

🔹 Move your hands and feet gently to help you stay afloat.

🔹 Don’t worry if your legs sink – everyone floats differently.

🔹 Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you can.

Floating can give you precious time to get over the initial shock, control your breathing and conserve your energy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Please talk about Float to Live with your family and friends. Knowing these simple steps before you need them could make all the difference.

… And if you see somebody in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Encourage them to float and, if possible, throw them something that will help them stay afloat. Do not enter the water yourself.

🧡 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘁. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘁. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁.

Find out more about Float to Live from the RNLI:

Find out how to float in water and survive cold water shock with our floating survival technique: Float to Live.

11/08/2026

Over recent weeks, training has been at full speed at Stranraer RNLI, with our volunteer crew continuing to put in the hours behind the scenes to develop the skills and experience needed when the pager sounds.

We’re delighted to recognise some fantastic progress from three members of our crew. 👏

🟠 Harry Wilson has successfully completed his Tier 1 training programme and certainly hasn’t taken his foot off the pedal, already making rapid progress towards completing his Tier 2 training.

🟠 Iain Munro has successfully completed his Tier 2 training programme and is now moving on to the next stage of his development, beginning his Navigation training and continuing to expand his operational skills.

🟠 One of our newest volunteer crew members, Tamsin Drew, has successfully completed her initial training and is now working her way through her Tier 1 and Tier 2 training.

Tamsin also brings a very welcome additional skill set to Stranraer Lifeboat Station through her day-to-day role as an Emergency Department Doctor. Her medical knowledge and experience add to the diverse range of professional skills our volunteers bring with them when they join the RNLI.

Training is a huge part of being an RNLI volunteer.

Long before the pager sounds, our crews spend countless hours training and practising to ensure they are ready to respond. From boat handling and casualty care to navigation, communications and emergency procedures, there is always another skill to develop and another scenario to practice.

And … as one of our recent training exercises demonstrated, sometimes that training even involves sending a flare skywards! 🚀

Every exercise has a purpose and helps our volunteers build the knowledge, teamwork and confidence they may one day need for real.

Spokesperson for Stranraer RNLI 🗣️

“Training is a massive part of what we do here at Stranraer. Our volunteers give up a considerable amount of their own time, not only to respond when the pager sounds, but to train and make sure they have the skills and confidence required when they’re needed.

“It’s great to see Harry complete his Tier 1 training and already making strong progress through Tier 2, while Iain’s completion of Tier 2 sees him take another important step forward as he moves into Navigation.

“We’re also delighted with the progress Tamsin has made since joining the crew. Having someone with her experience as an Emergency Department Doctor brings another valuable skill set to the station, and she has really thrown herself into her RNLI training.

“Harry, Iain and Tamsin are at different stages of their development, but they all demonstrate the same commitment to learning and improving.

“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to keep a lifeboat station operational, and training nights are a big part of that. We’re extremely pleased with the progress being made across the crew and look forward to seeing them continue to develop.”

👏 A massive well done to Harry, Iain and Tamsin.

RNLI

11/08/2026

🚨 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 - 𝟬𝟭/𝟬𝟴/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 🚨

At 1547 hours on 1st of August 2026, the volunteer crew of Stranraer RNLI were paged by HM Coastguard for an immediate launch following reports that a sailing vessel had capsized and sunk at Wig Bay, leaving three people in the water.

The crew immediately assembled at Stranraer Lifeboat Station and, due to the location of the incident, travelled by road with the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) to the launch point at Wig Bay.

However, before the emergency services could reach the casualties, an off-duty RNLI volunteer from Stonehaven RNLI was already taking action.

Keith Scott, a volunteer crew member with Stonehaven RNLI, witnessed the vessel capsize and immediately recognised the seriousness of the situation.

With three people in the water, Keith did not hesitate. Drawing on his RNLI training, experience and knowledge, he got into a small boat and made his way across to the casualties.

Keith successfully recovered all three people from the water into his boat before bringing them safely back to shore at Wig Bay slipway.

His rapid response meant that all three casualties were out of the water and safely ashore by the time Stranraer RNLI arrived.

Members of the public ashore also played a vital role, quickly raising the alarm and bringing the incident to the attention of the emergency services, as well as providing assistance at the scene prior to their arrival. Their actions are greatly appreciated.

Stranraer RNLI ILB crew immediately took over and provided casualty care, assessing and caring for the three casualties alongside HM Coastguard until the Scottish Ambulance Service arrived and took over their care.

Once the casualties were safely in the hands of the ambulance service, Stranraer ILB launched to investigate the sunken sailing vessel and determine whether it presented a hazard to navigation.

The vessel was found submerged and, following an assessment, was deemed not to present a navigational hazard at that time.

The ILB then returned to the launch point, where it was recovered. The crew returned by road to Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat Station and the lifeboat and equipment were made ready for service.

Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Antony Simpson 🗣️

“𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩’𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺.

“𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘙𝘕𝘓𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦.

“𝘉𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥, 𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘦. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳.

“𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩’𝘴 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦.

“𝘏𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘕𝘓𝘐 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘙𝘕𝘓𝘐. 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘥𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.”

This incident had a successful outcome thanks to a remarkable response from Keith Scott, Stonehaven RNLI, backed up by the coordinated efforts of Stranraer RNLI, HM Coastguard and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Keith was simply in the right place at the right time and when three people needed help, his training kicked in and he acted.

Also in attendance was Stranraer coastguard, HM Coastguard - Portpatrick, Scottish Ambulance Service 🚑



RNLI

25/07/2026

🚨𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 – 𝟮𝟱/𝟬𝟳/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲🚨

At 1326 hours, 25/07/2026, Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat was requested by UK Coastguard to launch following reports of a severely crashed vehicle at the foot of cliffs near the Mull of Galloway.

With concerns for the welfare of any occupants, every minute counted.

Stranraer RNLI and Portpatrick RNLI crews launched promptly from their respective stations and made best speed to the scene. On arrival, the reported casualty vehicle was quickly located, with both lifeboats carrying out a thorough search of the surrounding shoreline and sea area while Police Scotland conducted enquiries ashore.

Fortunately, those enquiries confirmed that the vehicle had been at the location for some time and that there were no persons in distress or danger. With no further requirement for Search and Rescue assets, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to their home stations, where they were refuelled and made ready for service once again.

While today’s call had a positive outcome, it serves as a reminder that reports like these are always treated seriously.

Our volunteer crews are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Antony Simpson 🗣️

“Every launch is treated as a genuine emergency until we’re able to establish otherwise. While this incident thankfully had a positive outcome, the initial information suggested there could have been people in immediate danger, so our volunteer crew responded without hesitation. We’d like to thank HM Coastguard, our colleagues at Portpatrick RNLI and Police Scotland for their excellent teamwork throughout the incident.

We’d also like to thank our volunteer crew members for once again leaving their families and workplaces at a moment’s notice to answer the call.”

If you ever see someone in difficulty at the coast, don’t hesitate – dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Also in attendance were Stranraer coastguard, HM Coastguard - Portpatrick, HM Coastguard - Drummore, Ballantrae Coastguard Rescue Team, Police Scotland Dumfries & Galloway, Portpatrick Lifeboat

21/07/2026

🚨 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 🚨

Every RNLI volunteer remembers their first launch, and for crew members Harry Wilson, Iain Munro and Robbie McCurdy, that milestone came on 11th of July 2026.

After successfully completing their initial training and passing the assessments required to become operational crew, all three answered the pager for the very first time as members of Stranraer RNLI.

A first service call is something every volunteer looks forward to. While training prepares you for the role, nothing compares to boarding the lifeboat for the first time knowing you’re responding to someone who needs help. It’s a moment that marks the transition from trainee to operational crew member and one that stays with you throughout your RNLI career.

Behind every new crew member is months of commitment, countless training nights and the support of experienced volunteers who dedicate their time to developing the next generation of lifeboat crew. Harry, Iain and Robbie have all worked hard to reach this point, and we’re incredibly proud to see them complete their first operational launch.

Station Spokesperson stated 🗣️

“Seeing crew members complete their first service call is always rewarding. As helms, we spend a lot of time alongside new volunteers to build their skills and confidence before they ever step onto a lifeboat operationally. We set high standards because when the pager goes, we need everyone to be ready to play their part.

Harry, Iain and Robbie have all put the work in. They turned up to training, listened, asked questions and kept improving. Their first shout was a chance to put that training into practice, and they did exactly what was expected of them. They settled into the crew well, remained focused and carried out their roles professionally. It’s a proud moment for them, and for all of us who have helped them get to this stage.”

Congratulations to Harry, Iain and Robbie on this fantastic achievement. We look forward to seeing all three continue to develop as valued members of the Stranraer RNLI crew.

RNLI

20/07/2026

𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗺𝘀

Congratulations to Stranraer RNLI crew member and prospective ILB helm Stevie Dewar, who has successfully completed the RNLI’s Boat Handling Course at the RNLI College in Poole.

The intensive five-day course saw Stevie complete eight three-hour afloat training sessions, putting him through a wide range of practical boat handling exercises designed to prepare future helms for the demands of commanding an RNLI inshore lifeboat. Alongside the practical sessions, classroom learning focused on leadership, decision-making, risk assessment and the safe management of lifeboat operations.

Training at the RNLI College is delivered by experienced instructors in a realistic operational environment, ensuring volunteers gain the confidence and skills needed to respond safely and effectively when the pager sounds.

Completing this course marks another significant step in Stevie’s development as he continues working towards qualification as an ILB helm. The knowledge and experience gained will benefit both Stevie and the wider station as he progresses through the remainder of his training.

Everyone at Stranraer RNLI would like to congratulate Stevie on this fantastic achievement and thank him for his continued commitment and dedication to saving lives at sea.

RNLI