Search halted after reports of person swept out to sea in Largs

The coastguard has halted its search for a person reportedly swept out to sea in Ayrshire during stormy weather.

Emergency services were called out to an area around Burnlea Road in Largs at about 00:10, after large waves struck the coast.

The coastguard confirmed that a helicopter and aeroplane were sent in response, as well as rescue teams from Largs and Ardrossan, and RNLI lifeboats from Largs and Troon.

A spokesperson said no-one was found after an extensive search and searches were suspended at about 09:00, pending any new information.

Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also attended and emergency services said inquiries were ongoing.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 12.12am on Tuesday, 27 October, 2026, police received a report of concern for an unidentified person in the water near Burnlea Road, Largs.

"A search and rescue operation was launched, but the person remains missing."

Much of the west of Scotland was struck by severe weather during Storm Boelo at the weekend, with Largs affected by heavy flooding.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) previously warned that weather conditions posed a safety risk in coastal areas and advised "extreme caution" if people were near the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

A yellow wind warning, covering most of the country as well as parts of northern England and Northern Ireland, is currently in place until 21:00.