TWO people were rescued this afternoon after their boat got into trouble near to Stevenston.

The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team was called out shortly after 1.30pm to reports of a vessel in difficulty near Stevenston.

The team responded immediately along with Senior Coastal Operations Officer Steve Muldoon.

As they arrived on scene, they were faced with a large sailing vessel which was aground just south of Stevenson Point, keeled over on its starboard side and with no obvious signs of any persons on board.

The vessel was also taking the full brunt of the rough sea conditions and incoming tide.

Upon approaching the boat and by use of whistle signals, it quickly became apparent there were two persons on board the vessel who were seeking shelter down below and the vessel was also taking on water.

The pair on board were in contact via telephone to CGOC Belfast Coastguard who were able to relay essential safety advice, including putting on lifejackets, and provide updates on the ongoing operation to rescue them.

Both Troon ALB and ILB were launched and proceeding on scene, with the conditions on scene continuing to deteriorate and the team preparing to conduct a full water rescue if required.

A short time afterwards, the team deployed a water rescue operator to reach the vessel and evacuate both persons from the vessel to the safety of dry land one at a time.

Once ashore, both persons were conveyed straight to the team's Coastguard Rescue Vehicle where immediate casualty care was provided with an ambulance also en route as both persons had been in the water.

Both casualties were then handed over to the Scottish Ambulance Service and conveyed to Crosshouse Hospital as a precaution.

The team has thereafter remained on scene to the secure vessel to the shore to mitigate the risk of the vessel being taken back out to sea and becoming a hazard to shipping. With all persons safe and well the vessel secured, the team has then stood down and returned to station to hose down and clean all equipment used and complete the necessary paperwork.

The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to those in need.

In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.