Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat

18/06/2026

⛳️🚤 𝗥𝗡𝗟𝗜 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗳 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 🚤⛳️

The annual RNLI Golf Competition once again took place at Stranraer Golf Club, bringing together RNLI volunteers, supporters and local golfers for a day of friendly competition and fundraising in support of the charity’s lifesaving work.

Among those taking part were Launch Authority Val Plant, crew member Harry Wilson and Launch Authority John ‘Watty’ Watson, who enjoyed a great day on the course while helping raise funds for the RNLI.

Launch Authority Val Plant 🗣️:

“It was a brilliant day at Stranraer Golf Club. The course was in fantastic condition and it was great to spend time with fellow RNLI volunteers and supporters. Playing alongside Harry and Watty made for plenty of laughs and friendly competition. Events like this are a wonderful way to bring people together while supporting the RNLI and the lifesaving service our volunteer crews provide.”

A huge thank you to Stranraer Golf Club Creachmore for hosting the event and to everyone who took part or supported the day. Your generosity helps ensure RNLI crews have the training, equipment and support needed to save lives at sea.

RNLI ⛳️🚤

13/06/2026

🚨𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁🚨

At 1340 hours on Saturday 13th of June 2026, Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch by UK Coastguard, following concerns for a Jet Ski that had broken down and was drifting towards the east side of Loch Ryan.

The volunteer crew assembled and made their way by road launching at Wig Bay. Once afloat they made their way promptly to the casualty.

Upon arrival at scene, they checked over the casualty who was safe and well, before establishing a tow and bringing the casualty and vessel back to Wig Bay slip.

Also tasked to the incident were Coastguard Rescue Teams from Stranraer coastguard HM Coastguard - Drummore HM Coastguard - Portpatrick Ballantrae Coastguard Rescue Team.

This incident highlights the importance of reporting concerns early when a vessel is on trouble.

10/06/2026

🚨𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁🚨

At 1853 hours on Wednesday 10th of June 2026, Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch by UK Coastguard, following concerns for a local fishing vessel that had been reported overdue.

The volunteer crew assembled promptly and launched to begin a search South to North of Lochryan. As rescue assets were mobilising, the vessel was sighted south of Portpatrick Harbour and was subsequently able to make its own way safely back into harbour.

With the vessel and those on board accounted for and requiring no assistance, all responding emergency service assets were stood down.

Also tasked to the incident were Portpatrick Lifeboat, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R199, and Coastguard Rescue Teams from HM Coastguard - Portpatrick, Stranraer coastguard and HM Coastguard - Drummore.

This incident highlights the importance of reporting concerns early when a vessel is overdue. We are pleased that the vessel was located safe and well, resulting in a positive outcome for all involved.

09/06/2026

📢 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻

A water safety awareness campaign is currently underway across the local area, with RNLI Float to Live posters being distributed to schools and community locations.

The aim is to raise awareness of the simple but life-saving advice that could help save lives if someone finds themselves struggling in the water.

With 17 lives tragically lost in UK waters in recent weeks, it is more important than ever to share this message as widely as possible. Additional posters will continue to be distributed throughout the coming days to help ensure the advice reaches as many people as possible.

A huge thank you to all those who have agreed to display the posters and support this important initiative.

📸 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱: Two local pupils from Castle Kennedy Primary School, helping to promote the RNLI’s Float to Live campaign.

If you find yourself in difficulty in the water:
🔹 Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
🔹 Relax and try to control your breathing
🔹 Move your hands to help you stay afloat
🔹 Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you can

26/05/2026

Over the past two weeks, crew members from Stranraer Lifeboat Station have attended Sheuchan Primary School and Rephad Primary School fetes, sharing the RNLI’s Float to Live message with children and adults.

With warmer weather forecast, many people will be heading to the coast and into the water. The weather may feel hot, but the water is still cold, and cold water shock can affect anyone 🥶

Cold water shock can happen when you enter water at around 15°C or below. The initial effects can be frightening and may make you gasp, panic or try to swim straight away — but this can increase the risk of drowning.

If you enter the water unexpectedly:

1. Tilt your head back
2. Relax and try to control your breathing
3. Move your hands and legs gently
4. Don’t worry if your legs sink — that’s normal
5. Find your float, then call for help or swim to safety if you are able

This advice is for everyone, no matter how you use the water. It has helped children, runners who have fallen into canals, people swept out by waves, and fishermen who have fallen overboard 🛟

If you are planning to enjoy the water, please check the weather, tide times and wind conditions before you go. Wear suitable clothing, including a wetsuit of the right thickness if needed, and always wear a flotation device, which can greatly increase your chances of getting through the initial shock 💪🏽

The coast is a wonderful place to be, but the water can be dangerous and unpredictable. Stay together, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be home, and please keep pets safe by keeping them on a lead near the water 🦮

If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard 📞🚨

Our seas and rivers are cold enough to leave you helpless in second🌊

Visit: https://rnli.org/safety for more information ℹ️

Enjoy the sunshine, enjoy the coast, and remember, it might be taps aff weather on land, but it’s definitely still “take your breath away” weather in the water!

Stay safe, look after each other, and Float to Live 🛟🌊

Get sea safety and cold water safety advice from the RNLI’s experts, learn how to Float to Live and find out more about staying safe at the coast.

20/05/2026

What a fantastic evening at Sheuchan school on Friday night! 🚤🌟

Stormy Stan and the crew from Stranraer RNLI had a brilliant time meeting everyone, sharing smiles, high-fives and helping support a great community event. It was amazing to see so many children and families getting involved and enjoying the night.

A huge thank you to the school and everyone who came along to say hello to the crew and Stormy Stan! Your support means so much to us all 🧡

Events like these are a great chance to connect with the community and help spread important water safety messages while having a bit of fun along the way.

Remember — if you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live. 🌊

For more water safety advice visit: https://rnli.org/safety

(All photographs were taken and shared with permission during the event 📸)

06/05/2026

From all of us at Stranraer RNLI, we extend our heartfelt condolences to our fellow search and rescue colleagues at Marine Rescue NSW following the tragic incident in Ballina, Australia.

The loss of two volunteers is felt across the global search and rescue community and serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by volunteer crews every time they answer the call.

We recognise the profound impact tragedies like this have on families, fellow crew members and communities. Our thoughts are with everyone affected during this incredibly difficult time.

We honour the courage, commitment and selflessness of those involved, and of all who dedicate their lives to saving others at sea. They will not be forgotten.

Fair winds and following seas 💙

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

05/05/2026

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had a few of comments about the resemblance between one of our crew members, Stevie, and RNLI’s very own Stormy Stan… 👀

We’re starting to see it ourselves… but we’ll let you be the judge 😄

Can you spot the likeness?

👍🏼 Give this post a like
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments
👀 Tag someone who needs to have a look

Based on your feedback, we’ll review the situation… and may look at officially renaming Stevie to 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲 🌊

The decision is yours…

RNLI

(📸 to the left is Stormy Stan, 📸 to the Right is Stevie)

05/05/2026

A successful moment at the station as two crew members reached significant milestones in their RNLI journey.

For those who may not know, the RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea, powered by dedicated volunteers who give their time, skill, and commitment to keeping others safe on the water.

Stevie Dewar and Iain Munro successfully passed their assessments with Coastal Assessor Ally Young.

• Stevie has passed out as Navigator a role carrying real responsibility, requiring skill, composure, and strong decision-making. He now moves into command training as a Helm, working towards coordinating the SAR asset during rescues.

• Iain has achieved his Tier 1 Crew member pass-out, reflecting hard work, commitment, and many hours of training, and will now continue progressing through the Tier 2 Crew member development process.

Lifeboat Operations Manager 🗣️

“Stevie has qualified as a D Class Navigator in under two years, having joined with no maritime background, this a strong example of dedication and progression.

Iain achieved his Tier 1 pass-out and has also contributed significantly by supporting training over the winter months, demonstrating the teamwork and commitment within the station.”

These achievements reflect the ongoing effort, support, and professionalism across the whole team.

A great result for both individuals and the station, highlighting the commitment, development, and teamwork that underpin everything we do.

Well done all 👏🏽🚤💛

28/04/2026

𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁 📜:

A remarkable and rare piece of lifesaving history has recently been gifted to Stranraer RNLI, and we’re proud to be able to share it.

This cork life belt, dating from around 1865, was kindly donated by a local resident to one of our crew. The belt is clearly marked “National Life Boat Institution”, this the original name of the RNLI before it was granted Royal Charter and carries a registration date of 21st of April 1865. It was manufactured by J. & A. W. Bird of Dock Street, London Docks, a company known at the time for producing marine and lifesaving equipment right in the heart of Victorian Britain’s busy docklands.

Before the introduction of modern lifejackets, devices like this were at the forefront of lifesaving technology. The belt is constructed from heavy duty canvas and packed with natural cork, which provided buoyancy. Worn around the waist and secured with ties, it would have helped keep a casualty afloat, but compared to today’s standards, it offered only limited protection. Early lifeboat crews often launched into severe weather with equipment like this as their only form of personal flotation.

Holding this piece, you can’t help but reflect on the conditions those crews faced. In the mid-19th century, lifeboat launches were frequently carried out with little more than basic protective clothing, sheer determination, and a commitment to save lives at sea. Equipment like this represents the early steps in improving crew safety long before the development of self-righting lifejackets, drysuits, helmets, and the advanced PPE our volunteers rely on today.

It’s also a powerful reminder of continuity. While the kit has evolved dramatically over the past 160 years, the ethos of the RNLI has not changed. Then, as now, volunteers were prepared to put themselves at risk to help others in danger.

We are incredibly grateful to the individual who recognised the importance of this and chose to pass it on to us.

Donations like this help preserve not only the history of the RNLI, but the legacy of those who served before us.

From cork filled canvas belts to today’s state of the art lifesaving equipment, the mission remains the same: 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗮.