However, before the emergency services could reach the casualties, an off-duty RNLI volunteer from Stonehaven RNLI was already taking action. His rapid response meant that all three casualties were out of the water and safely ashore by the time Stranraer RNLI arrived. Stranraer RNLI ILB crew immediately took over and provided casualty care, assessing and caring for the three casualties alongside HM Coastguard until the Scottish Ambulance Service arrived and took over their care. The crew returned by road to Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat Station and the lifeboat and equipment were made ready for service. Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Antony Simpson said: "Without Keith’s quick thinking and immediate intervention, this could have had a very different outcome.