The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team was called out this afternoon following reports of a large unknown object floating out at sea.
The volunteers from the Irvine-based Coastwatch Scotland had spotted the object from their building at the Irvine Beach Park pavillion and contacted the Coastguard.
The team responded immediately and upon arriving on scene, identified a large dark coloured object approx one mile off shore floating low to the water line.
Given the distance and visibility, a positive identification was unable to be made with the object also posing a potential hazard to shipping. Following a conversation with CGOC Belfast Coastguard the all weather lifeboat from RNLI Troon Lifeboat was launched to assist.
As the lifeboat arrived on scene, they confirmed the object was a large tree stump as opposed to an upturned boat or anything to cause further concern.
Given the potential navigation hazard, the lifeboat crew successfully got a line onto the tree stump and towed it back into Troon Harbour for recovery and disposal.
With the object identified and removed, the team has thereafter stood down and returned to station to complete the necessary paperwork, repack equipment and book off duty before returning home, or for some, back to work.
The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to those in need at the sea and beyond.
Search and Rescue - it's what we do.
In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.