A MAN was airlifted to hospital after getting into difficulty in the water off the coast of Saltcoats on Saturday morning.

He was successfully rescued from the sea near to Saltcoats Harbour in a multi-agency rescue operation involving the Coastguard, Lifeboat and a Royal Navy Helicopter.

The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team was called out shortly after 11.30am following a mayday call regarding a person in the water near to the Harbour.

The team proceeded immediately with Royal Navy Rescue Helicopter 177 and Troon Lifeboat also proceeding the scene. A small cabin cruiser and the Fishery Protection vessel ‘Minna’ were also in the area and proceeding to assist.

As the team arrived on scene at Saltcoats Harbour, they saw a small cabin vessel which had the casualty secured alongside – though still in the water – with a small upturned sailing dingy also visible approximately a quarter mile off shore.

Rescue Helicopter 177 proceeded directly overhead the casualty, who was then winched onboard the aircraft and conveyed directly to Crosshouse Hospital.

A member of the family of the man involved posted on the Ardrossan Coastguard’s Facebook and said: “Thanks to everyone involved yesterday in the rescue of my dad. He is doing well and almost back to full recovery.

“We all appreciate and thank you all for bringing him back to us.” Troon Lifeboat later successfully managed to recover the upturned sailing dinghy which was taken under tow and met by the team within Clyde Marina in Ardrossan.

With the casualty safe and well and the vessel tied up alongside, the team have thereafter stood down and returned to station to complete the necessary paperwork and return to their Saturday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team said: “This morning’s incident highlights the importance of being properly equipped before heading out to sea.

“The casualty had a life jacket and a handheld VHF radio, both of which played a significant role in the successful outcome of today’s rescue operation.

“We would also like to praise the actions of the small cabin cruiser which quickly arrived on scene and provided assistance to the casualty in the water before being safely winched onboard the helicopter and conveyed to hospital.”