A person had to be rescued after the boat ran aground at Irvine harbour.

The Coastguard was called out shortly before 10pm on Saturday evening following reports of an overdue vessel which was expected to arrive in Irvine earlier that evening.

A spokesperson from the the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team said: "The team was initially tasked to check Irvine Harbour to ascertain if the vessel was within, and whilst proceeding en route, an update was received advising the casualty vessel was near to Irvine harbour but had became grounded in the low tide.

"The casualty vessel was spotted aground just to the south of the entrance to the harbour. The team deployed two water rescue operators into the surf to speak with the skipper of the vessel, with Troon Inshore lifeboat also deploying a crew member to render assistance.

"After several attempts by the lifeboat at towing the vessel to safer waters proving unsuccessful, and with conditions on scene deteriorating, the decision was made to anchor the vessel in situ and evacuate the skipper from the vessel.

"The team's water rescue operators, assisted by Troon lifeboats crew member, thereafter assisted the skipper ashore and to the safety of dry land.

"With the vessel anchored and all persons safe and well, suitable advice was given to the skipper with regards to recovering the vessel in daylight hours and all rescue resources were thereafter stood down."