Major search launched after person swept out to sea in Largs
A major search and rescue operation involving lifeboats, helicopters and planes has been happening overnight off the coast of Largs, amid reports that a person has been swept out to sea.
HM Coastguard, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and RNLI lifeboats from Largs and Troon were scrambled in the coastal town at around 12:30am on Tuesday, 27 October.
Videos posted to social media showed emergency vehicles at the shore front, with a helicopter hovering above and shining a spotlight on the waves.
A HM Coastguard spokesperson said: “At around 12.20am on October 27, HM Coastguard received a report of a person believed to have been swept into the sea by large waves.
“An HM Coastguard helicopter and an aeroplane have been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Largs and Ardrossan, and RNLI lifeboats from Largs and Troon.
“Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended.
"After an extensive search, no one was found and searches were suspended at about 9am, pending any new information."
A spokesperson for RNLI said: "Largs RNLI launched at 12.23am and Troon RNLI launched at 12.35am on Tuesday 27 October at request of HM Coastguard to reports of a person in the water. Largs RNLI were stood down at 3.30am, and Troon RNLI were stood down at 8.45am. Coastguard Rescue Teams, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were also in attendance."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 12.12am on Tuesday, 27 October, 2026, police received a report of concern for an unidentified person in the water near Burnlea Road, Largs. A search and rescue operation was launched, but the person remains missing.
"Searching will resume this morning and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0026 of Tuesday, 27 October, 2026.”
It comes after a weekend of destruction caused by Storm Boelo, with Largs, Saltcoats and Prestwick largely taking the brunt.
The Met Office have put a new yellow weather warning in place across the area between 3am and 9pm today.
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