Following reports of a seriously damaged car at the base of cliffs close to the Mull of Galloway, lifeboat volunteers were dispatched yesterday afternoon (Saturday, July 25, 2026).
The shoreline was combed by RNLI workers from Stranraer and Portpatrick. Investigations showed that no one was in danger or in difficulty and that the car had been there for a while.
After receiving the call at 13.26, the Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat declared, “With concerns for the welfare of any occupants, every minute counted” and “made best speed to the scene.”
The reported casualty car was promptly found upon arrival, and while Police Scotland conducted enquiries ashore, both lifeboats thoroughly checked the surrounding beach and marine area.
This did, however, confirm that the car had been there for a while and that nobody was in danger or in difficulty. The two lifeboats were lowered.
“While today’s call had a positive outcome, it serves as a reminder that reports like these are always treated seriously,” a Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat spokesperson stated. Our volunteer teams are prepared to react at any time.”
“Every launch is treated as a genuine emergency until we’re able to establish otherwise,” stated Lifeboat Operations Manager Antony Simpson.
Although the outcome of this situation was fortunately positive, our volunteer team acted without hesitation because the original information indicated that there might have been persons in immediate danger.”
He continued by praising the “excellent teamwork” of the volunteer crew, HM Coastguard, Portpatrick RNLI, and Police Scotland.
The agency reiterates, “If you ever see someone in difficulty at the coast, don’t hesitate – dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
After a car was discovered, a multi-agency search of a harbour in Dumfries and Galloway was halted.
A automobile was discovered in the West Tarbet Bay region of Stranraer on Saturday, prompting searches by HM Coastguard, RNLI volunteers, and police.
Around noon, a lifeboat from Portpatrick RNLI was dispatched to help, along with Coastguard rescue crews from Drummore, Stranraer, Portpatrick, and Ballantrae.
The response was halted after a thorough search revealed no one in distress.