Rescue after dinghy capsizes in Irvine Harbour

Jan 2 2009 by Eric McGowan, Irvine Herald

A FATHER and son sparked a dramatic rescue operation on Sunday after their dinghy capsized in Irvine harbour.

Police, Coastguard, lifeboat, ambulance and fire crews swung into action after the pair plunged into the freezing River Irvine at around 4.30pm.

Eye-witnesses said the father managed to climb back onto the inflatable dinghy and cling to his son – thought to be in his 20s – until lifeboat crews from Troon rescued them a short time later.

Both men were taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital as a precaution.

The incident happened directly opposite the Harbour Lights pub – around 100 yards from shore.

The pair were spotted by a passer-by who alerted the emergency services.

A spokesman for the RNLI in Troon said two lifeboats were launched, with an inshore lifeboat used to rescue the pair.