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Showing posts from August, 2011

TWO TEENAGERS CALL FOR HELP AFTER BEING LOST FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON ISLE OF SHEPPEY

Two teenage boys who called the Coastguard after wandering around lost and disorientated on the Isle of Sheppey for six hours were reunited with their parents this evening after a search involving a lifeboat, helicopter and coastguard rescue team. Thames Coastguard received the 999 call at 9.30 pm from the two boys, aged 16 and 17, who were staying with family on the Isle of Sheppey but had become lost trying to find their way back to their chalet.   They told the Coastguard that they had been wandering for six hours, and had stopped to ask people for directions, but had become totally disorientated and could give little information on their location except to say that they were on a beach at the base of some cliffs.   They also gave the description of an emergency marker they had passed some hours before.   Thames Coastguard estimated their position and sent the Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Team, also requesting the launch of the Whitstable RNLI Lifeboat.   The Rescue Helicopter from

COASTEERING INSTRUCTOR SWIMS FOR HELP AFTER GROUP GET CUT OFF BY TIDE

A coasteering instructor was forced to swim to a passing boat to ask them to raise the alarm this evening after a group of eight coasteerers were cut off by the tide at Ilfracombe in North Devon. The group of eight – which included two adults and six 12-year-old girls – had been coasteering along the coast at Hele Bay when they became cut off by the tide.   The group had no means of raising the alarm, and so decided to wait for a passing boat to as for their help.   At 8.05 pm, the instructor spotted a vessel and swam out to it – asking them to use their VHF radio to call Swansea Coastguard for help.   By this time they had been stranded on the beach for an hour. Swansea Coastguard sent the Ilfracombe Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene and requested the launch of the Ilfracombe RNLI Lifeboat.   The lifeboat arrived on scene at 8.20 pm, and picked up all eight and brought them safely back to shore, where they were met by the Coastguard Rescue Team and given safety advice. Swansea C

DON’T BE OBLIVIOUS TO THE DANGER OF MUD

Two holiday makers were rescued tonight from the mud at Weston Super Mare after a member of the public spotted them walking a long way out in fading light. Swansea Coastguard received the 999 call at just after twenty past eight tonight. Because Weston has large patches of dangerous mud when the tide goes out mud rescue teams from the Weston Super Mare and Burnham on Sea Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to Grand Pier, where CCTV operators had confirmed the two people were paddling, oblivious to the danger they were in Avon Fire and Rescue Service’s Mud Rescue hovercraft was also sent to the scene because the people were seen to be heading towards a large area of mud near Knightstone. The two people were finally rescued, after one and a half hours out on the mud, by the rescue hovercraft and Burnham on Sea Coastguard Rescue Team. Beverley Haigh Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager said: “It’s always tempting to walk out for a paddle but when the tide goes out at Weston a large amoun

FIVE FOREIGN SHIPS UNDER DETENTION IN THE UK DURING JULY 2011

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced today that five foreign flagged ships were under detention in UK ports during July 2011 after failing Port State Control ( PSC) inspections. Latest monthly figures show that there was one new detention of a foreign flagged ship in UK ports during July 2011 and four vessels remained under detention from previous months. The overall rate of detentions compared with inspections carried out over the last twelve months was 3.25%, which is slightly down from Junes twelve month rate. Out of the detained vessels none were registered with flag states listed on the Paris MOU white list, two were registered with flag states on the grey list, one was registered with a flag state on the black list and two were unregistered. Notes to editors and list of detentions  1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldsons Inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port Stat

YOUNG PEOPLE RESCUED FROM THE WATER AT SOUTHERNDOWN

A 10-year-old and an 18-year-old were rescued from the sea off Southerndown in South Wales this afternoon after getting cut off by the tide near caves in the area. Swansea Coastguard were alerted to the situation at 4.48 this afternoon by a fisherman who dialled 999 to report that he could see two children who had been cut off by the tide at Dunraven Bay. The fisherman stated that the tide was coming in quickly around them and their only escape would be for them to scale the steep cliffs above them. Swansea Coastguard sent the Llandwit Major Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene and requested the launch of the Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat. The lifeboat arrived on scene within a few minutes, by which time the two young people had entered the water. They were both recovered into the lifeboat and brought ashore, where they were reunited with their family and assessed by ambulance paramedics. Steve Jones, Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager said: This is the second incidence this week of peo

DSC ALERT SENDS RESCUE SERVICES STRAIGHT TO SCENE OF SINKING VESSEL

Belfast Coastguard was able to send rescue services straight to the scene of a sinking leisure vessel tonight although the crew couldn’t make radio contact. The digital selective calling (DSC) alert requesting immediate assistance was received at just after 8.15pm . Using AIS and DSC the vessel was located just off Runabay Head and identified as the Katoni. RNLI lifeboats from Redbay and Larne were sent to the scene whilst the police helicopter flew overhead. Ballycastle Coastguard Rescue Team were also sent to the scene to assist. The area was thoroughly searched and no vessel was found. At just after 9.30pm a 999 call came in from one of the three crew to say although the vessel had been taking on water they had made it safely to shore.   Belfast Coastguard Watch Manager Alan Pritchard said; “The crew of this vessel was extremely well prepared. They were wearing lifejackets, had a DSC radio and knew how to use it. Because of this they were able to call for immediate assistance a

MAN RESCUED FROM SEA AFTER HIS KAYAK SINKS

A kayaker was rescued from the sea off North Flamborough Head after a passerby heard his shouts for help and called Humber Coastguard this evening. Humber Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public at 6.00 pm, reporting that he had heard shouts from the sea and seen a man waving to him. The man’s kayak had sunk and he had been in the water for an hour and a half dressed only in shorts and a t-shirt with a buoyancy aid. The Flamborough RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch and the Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team was requested to attend the scene. The kayaker was rescued from the sea by the lifeboat and taken to shore, then on to hospital. Humber Coastguard Watch Manager Graham Dawson says: “This kayaker was incredibly fortunate to have been saved. It is amazing that after an hour and a half struggling in the water, he still had the strength to shout loudly enough to alert the passerby. His buoyancy aid would have helped him to stay afloat but after an hour and a half

EPIRB ALERT ACTIVATED RESCUE IN NORTH SEA

The seven crew of the Norwegian Vicking long boat ‘Dragens Vinge’ has been rescued this afternoon 50 miles east of Shetland, after their EPRIB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) was activated. Coastguard Officers at Falmouth Coastguard were able to alert Shetland Coastguard after the EPRIB from the Norwegian vessel was activated.   The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Sumburgh was scrambled and the Lerwick RNLI all weather lifeboat was requested to launch. Coastguard Rescue Officers from Lerwick were requested to attend. Mike Smith, Watch Officer, Shetland Coastguard, said: “The only information we were in receipt of was that and EPIRB alert had been transmitted, we tasked resources to the scene and the crew of the Rescue Helicopter located a raft with seven crew aboard, they have all now been transferred to the Rescue Helicopter and are being taken to Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick.   The weather conditions on scene were force 7 to gale force 8. We would like to remi

SEVEN PEOPLE AND A DOG CUT OFF BY TIDE AT SEVEN SISTERS

Seven people and a dog had to be rescued from the bottom of the Seven Sisters cliffs after they were cut off by the tide. Solent Coastguard received a 999 call from one of the stranded people at just after 6.15pm. Coastguard Rescue Officers from the teams located at Newhaven, Eastbourne and Birling Gap were sent to the scene along with the Newhaven RNLI Lifeboat. Because of the rough sea conditions it was decided that the safest way to rescue the three adults, four children and dog were to bring them up the cliff. Dave Williams Solent Coastguard Watch Manager said: “It took well over an hour and 19 Coastguard Rescue Officers to bring seven people and the dog up the cliff. “To avoid being cut off always check the weather and tidal conditions, before you set out for your walk along the coast, so you know when the tide will come in and what suitable clothing to wear.” Notes to Editors Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket

LIFEJACKETS KEEP TWO AFLOAT AFTER DINGHY SINKS

At just before four o’clock this afternoon Portland Coastguard received a 999 call reporting that a Marlin dinghy had capsized off Hengistbury Head with two people on board. Mudeford RNLI Inshore Lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Solent were sent to search the scene whilst Southborne Coastguard Rescue Team went to meet up with the person who had made the 999 call. A six metre RHIB ‘Merlin’ responded to the call from Portland Coastguard for vessels in the area to keep a look out. They found two people in the water, where they had been for 20 minutes after the dinghy sank. They were uninjured and taken back to shore by Mudeford Lifeboat. Ros Evans Portland Coastguard Watch Manager said: “The dinghy sailors’ shore contact did exactly the right thing by dialling 999 coastguard when the dinghy capsized. We recommend that dinghy sailors should carry hand held vhf, flares or a charged mobile phone to call for help but the most important thing is that they should wear a lif

YACHT COLLIDES WITH TANKER OFF ISLE OF WIGHT

At just after twenty past three this afternoon Solent Coastguard were informed by Hamble Rescue that the yacht ‘Atlanta of Chester’ had collided with the tanker ‘Hanne Knutsen’ off Egypt Point, Isle of Wight. Two people were thrown overboard by the collison and the yacht lost its mast and rigging. The RHIB ‘Vigilant’ took one of the people back to shore for medical attention whilst the Southampton Patrol Boat and Hamble Rescue took the second person to a waiting ambulance at Trinity Pontoon. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the MCA Duty Surveyor have been informed. The tanker continued to its destination at Fawley and the yacht has been towed to the UKSA berths at Cowes. Notes to Editors Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch Follow us on Twitter. Find us at MCA_media

UNUSUAL ROE DEER RESCUE FOR CROSBY COASTGUARD

Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team took part in an unusual call out this afternoon when they rescued a Roe Deer from the sea close to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. At 1.45pm a 999 call was received from a member of public who reported that a deer had run on to the beach and into the sea between Crosby Baths and the Liverpool Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to the scene with a local beach ranger and lifeguard patrol. After a short search the deer was found, safely rescued from the water and brought back to the MRCC to recover. The female roe deer was subsequently released on a country estate. Tony Topping   Watch Manager said: “This incident is particularly unusual as deer are not normally found in Crosby. I’m happy to report that the deer was none the worse for its experience and that it was set free in a more suitable habitat.” Notes to Editors Follow us on Twitter. Find us at MCA_media

COASTGUARD REMIND HOLIDAYMAKERS TO CHECK THE TIDE TIMES

Press Release: 217-11                                                                                2 August 2011 At 05.40pm, Falmouth Coastguard received a 999 call from a man who found himself and his boat in difficulty. He had gone into Porthbeor Beach with his wife and child to have a picnic. Unfortunately, they found themselves in difficulty when they attempted to re-launch due to challenging sea conditions. Falmouth Coastguard called out Coastguard rescue teams from Portscatho and Falmouth, along with the Falmouth RNLI ILB to assist. Mother and child managed to get to a safe point ashore, but the man was stranded, and cut off by the rising tide on the beach. The ILB was unable to rescue the man due the sea conditions, and the Coastguard teams successfully recovered the man to the cliff top and waiting ambulance. The family are staying at a local campsite. Twenty minutes later, Falmouth Coastguard received another 999 call reporting five persons cut off at Portholland. Two manag

SHIP REFLOATS AFTER RUNNING AGROUND ON BEACH IN CORNWALL

At 04.30am, Falmouth Coastguard noted on their Automatic Identification system that the vessel was not using the traffic separation scheme correctly. All attempts were made to call the vessel by all means but the vessel went aground in the area of Cape Cornwall The ship had run aground on a beach at Cape Cornwall. Falmouth Coastguard called out the St Ives Coastguard rescue team and North Cornwall sector manager and requested police attendance. The Coastguard tug Anglian Princess was repositioned in case it was required and the St Ives and Sennen Cove lifeboats were requested to launch a rescue helicopter R193 was also scrambled. Subsequently Falmouth Coastguard received a call 2 hours later from the master of the vessel reporting that he had managed to refloat the vessel after moving ballast water and using his engines to get the vessel off where she had beached. The vessel was carrying a cargo of containers and has 13 crew on board. The vessel is now continuing on passage to Rotterda

COASTGUARD ADVISE BOAT OWNERS TO GET APPROPRIATE TRAINING

Press release:215-11                                                                                   2 August 2011 At 09.50pm, Solent Coastguard responded to a mayday call from a vessel called Ribcraft. Solent Coastguard broadcast a mayday relay and two leisure vessels responded that were in the vicinity. Solent Coastguard called out the Lymington Coastguard rescue team and requested the launch of the Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat. The skipper of the mayday vessel on questioning then indicated to Solent Coastguard that they had run out of fuel, they were displaying navigation lights and had lifejackets. They had no means of identifying their position and no anchor onboard so were unable to anchor. The skipper of the ribcraft then confirmed that he did have some spare fuel onboard and that he was able to get back to Lymington Marina under his own power. Alan Waters, Duty Watch Manager, Solent Coastguard said: If you are going to sea, please ensure that you have the correct and necessary equi

A RESCUE BY LAND AND SEA FOR COUPLE AND THEIR DOGS CUT OFF BY TIDE

Two dogs and two people have been rescued by a lifeboat and coastguard rescue teams after being cut off by the tide this evening. The man and woman were on the return journey of a walk from Aberystwyth to Borth this evening when they became cut off by the tide in Clarach Bay, north of Aberystwyth. They made a 999 call to Milford Haven Coastguard at 8.10 pm and the Coastguard requested the Borth RNLI inshore lifeboat to launch and the Aberystwyth and Borth Coastguard Rescue Teams to attend the scene. When the lifeboat arrived it picked up both people, but the two frightened retrievers ‘Gelert’ and ‘Cariad’ scrambled away and 20 foot up the 200 foot cliff. The coastguard rescue teams then set up their cliff gear and recovered both dogs, in special slings, up the cliffs, where they were then reunited with the couple Milford Haven Coastguard Watch Manager Andrew Hodgson says: “Both the two people and the dogs were cold, but safe and none the worse for their ordeal. Always check the weather