The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team was called out shortly after 7.30pm yesterday following reports of two persons stranded near the Big Idea building in Irvine after being cut off by the tide.
The team responded immediately with RNLI Troon Lifeboat also tasking their inshore lifeboat to Irvine Harbour.
The team quickly arrived on scene and successfully located the two casualties who were stranded on the northern bank of the river entering Irvine Harbour. Both casualties were in a safe position and not in any immediate danger, with the team ensuring they were kept fully updated that a lifeboat was also attending to assist.
Troon Inshore Lifeboat was launched from the nearby slipway at Irvine Harbour with the team marking the casualties' location as the lifeboat made their way down river towards the harbour entrance.
Both casualties were successfully recovered into the Inshore Lifeboat and returned to the slipway at Irvine Harbour where they were met by the team.
Both casualties were suffering from the effects of the cold having been stranded for some time, with the team providing casualty care and placing them in our Coastguard Rescue Vehicle to provide warmth and shelter from the winter conditions which were affecting the area.
A short time later, both casualties were conveyed to hospital for a full check up.
With weather conditions on scene rapidly deteriorating with heavy snow fall affecting Irvine and surrounding areas, the team has then stood down and returned to station to complete the necessary paperwork, repack the rescue equipment utilised and ensure the team is ready for the next callout.
The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team is made up entirely of specially trained and equipped volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to those in need.
"We continue to advise the public that if they think someone is in trouble at the coast or at sea, to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard immediately. Time is of the essence in an emergency and especially at the coast with additional risks to consider including weather conditions and a rising tide."