A LIFEBOAT was sent out on a rescue mission this week after two vessels collided off the coast of Troon.

Troon RNLI rushed to the scene 5 nautical miles south west of the harbour after receiving a call from the Belfast Coastguard in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The volunteer crew headed out to salvage a fishing vessel with 6 crew on-board which had sustained damage to its bow as it was making its way back to Troon harbour.

Officers from Police Scotland and Ayr Coastguard Rescue team also assisted, with a Marine Protection vessel ‘Minna’ already at sea used to aid the lifeboat team.

The fisherman escaped without any injuries, after the collision.

A spokesman for Troon RNLI said: “At 3.55am on Wednesday 29 May 2019, Belfast Coastguard requested the launch of Troon RNLI all-weather lifeboat following a collision between two vessels approximately 5 nautical miles south west of Troon.

“The volunteer crew assembled and the Trent class all-weather lifeboat ‘RNLB Jim Moffat’ was launched shortly after. Marine Protection Vessel ‘Minna’ was at sea and also attended.

“With no injuries reported, the 17m fishing vessel with 6 crew on-board, had sustained damage to its bow and was making its way back to Troon so the all-weather lifeboat escorted this vessel back to the harbour.

“The other vessel remained at anchor and the Marine Protection Vessel assisted this vessel.

“Once within the harbour, the fishing vessel was secured alongside with the assistance of the Ayr Coastguard Team.

“At 5.20am, the lifeboat returned to the berth where it was made ‘ready for service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.

“The crew escorted the fishing vessel back to the harbour, with the Marine Protection team assisting the other vessel which remained at anchor.”