HELENSBURGH'S lifeboat crew saved an elderly sailor's life after they fell off their boat near Rhu last week.

On Thursday, May 4 a member of the public saw the casualty hanging onto an upturned inflatable tender near the MOD Off Site Centre in strong winds.

The onlooker called 999, and HM Coastguard immediately asked the local lifeboat crew to attend – resulting in the casualty’s life being swifty saved.

The elderly person was taken to the lifeboat station where they were treated for the onset of hypothermia and were taken by ambulance to hospital.

Howard Morrison, operations manager of the Helensburgh lifeboat, said: “At the time of this incident there was a strong offshore wind.

“Fortunately someone saw the casualty in the water, clinging to the tender and called 999.

“Helensburgh's lifeboat has been called out 17 times so far this year.

“As the weather gets warmer and more people venture onto the water, please ensure you check the weather forecast before setting out, and that you have the necessary safety equipment so that you can enjoy the water safely.”