Yacht rescued from rough seas in Loch Ryan
Stranraer lifeboat crew battled gale-force conditions to save a stranded yacht.
Last updated 12th Jan 2026
A lone sailor in Loch Ryan was saved from increasingly dangerous conditions on Sunday evening, 11th January 2026, after their 40-foot yacht drifted out of control in gale force winds and heavy seas.
Stranraer RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard at 5:59pm following reports of the boat being pushed towards hazardous waters due to an anchor line failure.
The experienced volunteer crew launched into rough seas to assist the yacht.
Conditions were described as serious, with the boat rolling heavily and drifting beam-on to the waves, making it vulnerable to being overwhelmed.
Stranraer RNLI was supported by the crew of Stena Superfast VII, who maintained a visual watch and provided accurate position updates in poor visibility.
This enabled the lifeboat to locate the boat promptly and begin stabilisation measures.
Once on the scene, Stranraer’s team successfully manoeuvred the vessel head-to-sea using control lines, reducing immediate danger for the person onboard.
To complete the operation, Girvan RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was called to provide a safe tow to Stranraer Marina, due to the yacht’s size and prevailing conditions.
With HM Coastguard teams assisting onshore, the yacht was secured, and the sailor was brought safely to shore.
Stranraer RNLI’s lifeboat returned to base at 10pm and was refuelled and readied for service following the successful rescue.
A spokesperson for Stranraer RNLI praised all teams involved:
“This was a challenging service carried out in very difficult weather. The yacht was being driven by strong winds and heavy seas after its anchor failed, and the situation was deteriorating.
"Following a full assessment, our inshore lifeboat was launched as it was the quickest asset able to reach the casualty and reduce the immediate risk to the person onboard.
“Our volunteer crew worked calmly and professionally in demanding conditions to bring the vessel head-to-sea and stabilise it until Girvan’s all-weather lifeboat could arrive to complete the tow.
"We are very grateful to HM Coastguard and to the crew of Stena Superfast VII for their excellent support and coordination, which played a vital role in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.”
Stranraer RNLI extended its thanks to HM Coastguard, Stena Superfast VII’s team, and Girvan RNLI for their support during this challenging rescue.
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