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Showing posts from July, 2013

17 PEOPLE ON CANOE TRIP RESCUED AFTER BECOMING STRANDED ON LOUGH NEAGH

A group of 17 people, including 14 children, involved in a canoeing trip have been rescued after they became stranded on Lough Neagh. Belfast Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was first contacted just after 5.45pm this evening by one of the group who was on shore reporting that 16 others out in seven canoes had become stranded on Blackers Rock.  Kinnego Coastguard Rescue Team, three Independent Rescue Boats from Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, and a PSNI helicopter were sent to the scene. Ardboe and Kinnego Lifeboats managed to locate the canoeists and take them to Ardboe where they were met and treated by paramedics. Meanwhile, the man who had initially made the 999 call for help had become lost himself and required assistance. He was located by the police helicopter and assisted to safety by Kinnego Coastguard Rescue Officers and a Lifeboat. Nine children and an adult have been taken to hospital suffering from what is believed to b

MAN OVERBOARD RESCUED AT SCARBOROUGH

A man has been winched to safety off Scarborough today after falling overboard from an angling vessel called Don’t Panic.   At 4.24pm Humber Coastguard overheard the angling boat on VHF channel 16 stating that a man had fallen in the water and was hanging on to the boat but was unable to get back aboard.   The remaining crew member was unfamiliar with the marine environment and unable to give an accurate position except that it was Scarborough area.               Humber Coastguard broadcast a radio request for assistance from other vessels and requested the Scarborough RNLI inshore lifeboat attend and the rescue helicopter from RAF Leconfield, which was nearby.   Several local vessels joined the search and the rescue helicopter was able to locate the boat by homing in on radio transmissions from Don’t Panic.   They winched the man from the water and transferred him to hospital.   Scarborough RNLI inshore lifeboat escorted the boat back to the harbour.   Humber Coa

MISSING ANGLERS OFF ISLE OF MAN - UPDATE

Liverpool MRCC has called off the search for two missing anglers off the Isle of Man coast after two bodies were recovered from the sea to the North of the island this afternoon.             Liverpool MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) coordinated an air and sea search covering over 360 square miles of sea, involving RNLI lifeboats from Ramsey, Peel, Port Patrick and Port Erin with rescue helicopters from RAF Valley and RNAS Prestwick.     The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s fixed wing aircraft was also involved in the search as well as vessels in the area which responded to the Coastguard broadcast.

SEARCH FOR MISSING ANGLERS OFF ISLE OF MAN

The search for two missing anglers off the Isle of Man coast continues today.                 Liverpool Coastguard has been working with the Isle of Man Coastguard to find two missing anglers.   Their upturned dinghy was found five miles off the Isle of Man coast at 6.20am on Saturday morning. The men, both in their 60’s and from the Isle of Man were reported overdue after failing to return from a fishing trip on Friday afternoon.   Liverpool MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) has coordinated an air and sea search covering over 360 square miles of sea, involving RNLI lifeboats from Ramsey, Peel, Port Patrick and Port Erin with rescue helicopters from RAF Valley and RNAS Prestwick.   The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s fixed wing aircraft was involved in the search this morning but has returned to base due to fog in the search area.

BOY RESCUED FROM THE SEA BY PASSER-BY

Humber Coastguard would like to remind people to swim within their abilities after an eight year old boy got in to difficulty in Blyth, Northumberland this afternoon. He was rescued by a passer-by. At just after 3pm Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received a 999 call from a member of the public reporting that the boy had swum 100 metres out to sea. He had then got in to difficulties and was unable to make it back to shore. Blyth Coastguard Rescue Team and the Blyth RNLI inshore lifeboat were sent to the scene. A RAF rescue helicopter, on exercise in the area was also asked to help. By the time the rescue services arrived on scene a passer-by had swum out to the boy and brought him back to the shore. The helicopter landed on the beach and the lifeboat crew assisted with medical attention until the ambulance arrival. The boy was taken by ambulance to hospital at Wansbeck for further medical attention. Humber Coastguard Watch Manager Mike Puplett said: “It’s a

FIVE PEOPLE RESCUED AFTER DINGHY CAPSIZES IN TEIFI ESTUARY

Two adults and three children have been rescued from the water after their dinghy capsized off Gwbert. Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received a 999 call just after 11am this morning reporting that a group of people were in the water.    The Cardigan Coastguard Rescue Team and the Cardigan RNLI inshore lifeboat were sent to the scene. The lifeboat located those in the water and managed to get them all on board. They were taken ashore where they were met by the Cardigan Coastguard Rescue Team and ambulance crews. Bob Peel, Watch Manager at Milford Haven MRCC, said: "The two adults and three children were well equipped as all were wearing lifejackets. They were rescued from the water uninjured, just cold and shaken from their ordeal. "We always want people to have fun but stay safe when out on the water. That’s why we always recommend to those heading out in a boat, canoe, kayak and such like, that they should wear an appropriate

FIVE FOREIGN FLAGGED SHIPS UNDER DETENTION IN THE UK DURING JUNE 2013.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced today that five foreign flagged ships were under detention in UK ports during June 2013 after failing a Port State Control ( PSC) inspection. Latest monthly figures show that there were two new detentions of foreign flagged vessels in UK ports during June 2013 and three vessels remained under detention from previous months. The overall rate of detentions compared with inspections carried out over the last twelve months was 3.18% this is a slight decrease from May’s twelve month rate. Three of the detained vessels were registered with a flag state listed on the Paris MOU white list, one was registered with a flag state on the grey list and one was unregistered. SHIPS DETAINED IN June 2013. Date and Place of detention: - 5 June, Tilbury Vessel Name: - MEL PRIDE (Bulk Carrier) GT: - 20319 IMO No: - 9196307 Flag: - Liberia Company: - D & S Ship Management SA Classification Society: - Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK) Recognised O

MAN RESCUED AFTER BECOMING STUCK IN MUD IN RHYL HARBOUR

A man’s been rescued after becoming stuck up to his waist in mud in Rhyl harbour. Holyhead Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was called just before 6am this morning with reports the man was stuck opposite the pontoon in the harbour. The Rhyl and Flint Coastguard Rescue Teams, both trained in mud rescue, were sent to the scene. The Rhyl RNLI inshore lifeboat was also sent to assist. Upon arrival, Coastguard Rescue Officers established that the man had been stuck for approximately two hours. Using their mud training techniques, they managed to free the man. He was then passed into the care of the ambulance service and taken to hospital to be checked over. Barry Priddis, Watch Manager at Holyhead MRCC, said: “It was lucky that this man was spotted when he was. Having already been in the mud for two hours and stuck up to his waist, we needed to act quickly to get him out. “Both the Rhyl and Flint Coastguard Rescue Teams put their mud training to good use

THREE MEN RESCUED FROM THE WATER OFF WEST WITTERING

Three men have been taken to hospital after they became stuck on a sandbank and were then overwhelmed by the incoming tide off West Wittering. Solent Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was first contacted at 5.40pm this evening by West Wittering Lifeguards who were in the process of rescuing the men from the water. Solent MRCC tasked the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent and Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team, along with the two RNLI lifeboats from Hayling Island, the harbour patrol boat from Chichester and the inshore rescue boat from West Wittering. Police and Ambulance were also in attendance. Two of the men were airlifted by the Coastguard helicopter to the QA hospital in Portsmouth, while the other was taken by ambulance to St. Richard’s hospital in Chichester. Matt West, Watch Manager at Solent MRCC, said: "If you are heading out for a swim, check the sea conditions and remember that even though the sea may look calm on the

SWIMMERS RESCUED AFTER BEING SWEPT OUT TO SEA OFF LLANTWIT MAJOR

A group of swimmers have been rescued after struggling with the current off Tresilian Bay, Llantwit Major. Swansea Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was contacted just before 6pm this evening by one of the swimming group, who along with four others, had managed to return to shore. But three swimmers, two women and a man, were still struggling in the water. Swansea MRCC issued a Mayday relay broadcast asking if any vessels in the area were able to assist. The Llantwit Major Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to the scene, along with the Porthcawl RNLI inshore lifeboat and the RAF search and rescue helicopter from RMB Chivenor. A vessel in the area at the time responded and was able to get the three people out of the water and on board. The Porthcawl lifeboat then arrived on scene and took the casualties ashore, where they were met by the Llantwit Major Coastguard Rescue Team. They didn’t require any medical attention. Steve Jones, Rescue Coordination Centre M

SEARCH UNDERWAY AFTER LIGHT AIRCRAFT CRASH IN ENGLISH CHANNEL

A search is underway in the English Channel this afternoon after reports that an aircraft had failed to arrive at its destination airport in France. Dover Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was first contacted at 2.30pm with reports a single engine aircraft with one person on board had failed to arrive at Le Touquet airport having left Blackbushe Airport in Hampshire earlier on today. Dover MRCC is coordinating the search with the help of the French Coastguard. A French search and rescue helicopter located wreckage approximately 15 miles off Dungeness. The search and rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham has now joined in with the search, along with the Dungeness RNLI lifeboat, and three French vessels. UPDATE: 9.30pm Sunday 21st July Search suspended due to fading light. Further discussions will be held in the morning as to the next course of action. UPDATE: 11:45am Monday 22nd July Although a large amount of wreckage was found, no casualty was located during an

SUMMER SUN: INCREASE IN INCIDENTS FOR HM COASTGUARD

HM Coastguard has seen a 23% increase in incidents in the past month, as many take the opportunity to enjoy the summer sunshine along the UK coastline.   From 15 June to 16 July this year, HM Coastguard dealt with 2,859 incidents. That’s an increase of 668 compared to the same period in 2012.   Now with the school summer holidays fast approaching, HM Coastguard is keen to reiterate some key safety advice.   Peter Dymond, Chief Coastguard, says:   "We always urge people to have fun but stay safe when out enjoying our beautiful coastline, particularly during this current spell of good weather.   "If you are heading out for a swim, check the sea conditions and remember that even though the sea may look calm on the surface, there is the danger of strong currents underneath. We recommend that you swim at a lifeguarded beach, take note of any warning signs and best to tell someone on the beach what you are doing so they can keep an eye on you."  

MAN ATTEMPTS TO SAIL FROM DORSET TO IRELAND IN INFLATABLE DINGHY

A man’s been safely brought back to shore after attempting to sail from Dorset to Ireland in a 6ft inflatable dinghy.   Portland Coastguard received a call just after 3pm yesterday from a range safety craft reporting concern for a man in an inflatable dinghy approximately 2.7 nautical miles south of Durdle Door. The man was heading for Ireland in a 6ft beach blow-up dinghy. With him were two paddles, one used as a mast accompanied by a plastic sheet as a sail, and the other used as a rudder to steer. Aboard was a limited amount of food and drink.   Portland Coastguard put out a broadcast requesting further information about the dinghy. A dive vessel, transiting the area at the time, responded with a sighting, provided a position and approached the dinghy to assess the situation. Portland Coastguard was informed that the occupant of the dinghy did not require any assistance. After finishing their diving operations, the dive vessel returned to the scene and was able to rec

YACHT AGROUND AT SCROBY SANDS, GREAT YARMOUTH

Humber Coastguard was alerted yesterday evening by pan pan emergency call and told that the yacht 'Moonriver' had run aground on sand and gravel at Scroby Sands, Great Yarmouth. There was one woman on board with no reported injuries. Humber Coastguard requested Gorlestone Lifeboats to attend the scene. The crew removed the woman and attached a line to the yacht which they were able to re-float. Graham Dawson, Humber Coastguard Watch Manager said, "It is important to check your position, and re-check it. This incident was the result of confusion of navigation lights with lights on a nearby offshore wind farm."

MAN MISSING OFF GRAVESEND PROMENADE

The search will continue at low water tonight for a man who went missing in the sea just off Gravesend Promenade this afternoon after he went to the rescue of a young girl who had got into difficulty. At just after half past three this afternoon the London Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was contacted by a member of the public who reported that two people were in difficulty in the water just off Gravesend Promenade. The RNLI lifeboat from Gravesend was sent immediately to the scene. Meanwhile four members of the public went in to the water to help the man and girl. The girl was safely rescued but unfortunately the man disappeared under the water. Two launches from the PLA and Metropolitan Police joined the RNLI lifeboat in searching the sea with the Essex Police helicopter searching from the air. Unfortunately the man was not found. The Medway Coastguard Rescue team, Gravesend RNLI lifeboat, PLA and Kent Police will search along the shoreline at low water (around midnight tonig

KEEP AWAY FROM CLIFFS – ESPECIALLY WHEN IT’S DARK

Brixham coastguard is reminding people enjoying our coastline in the hot summer weather to stay away from cliff edges – especially when it’s dark. Their warning comes after a young man fell 100 feet from a cliff near Whitsand Bay near Plymouth at just after half past two this morning. South Western Ambulance Service contacted Brixham Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to report that they were dealing with a young man who fallen from cliffs near Whitsand Bay Holiday Park. Because of his position on the cliffs the Coastguard Rescue Teams from Looe and Tamar were sent to the scene with the Royal Navy Rescue Helicopter based at Chivenor. After receiving medical attention on scene the young man was taken by helicopter to hospital in Plymouth. Brixham coastguard Watch Manager Dave Scullion said: “Cliff edges can be dangerous during daylight hours as they can be slippery and prone to erosion. They become even more dangerous during the hours of darkness when it’s often difficult

DIVE BOAT BREAKDOWN LEAVES DIVERS LOST IN FOG

A dive boat’s broken GPS and engine left two divers lost in fog near the wreck of the ‘Alster’. Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was called by a dive vessel at just after half past three this afternoon. They were told that the vessel’s engine and GPS had broken and it couldn’t find the two divers who were believed to be on the surface in black wets suits and marker buoys. The situation was not helped by thick fog that reduced visibility to 50 metres. Humber coastguard broadcast a message to all vessels in the area asking them if they could help by heading to the last known location of the divers. Meanwhile the RNLI lifeboat based at Cromer made its way to the scene. At just after half past four the dive vessel ‘Manta’ contacted Humber Coastguard to say they had found the divers safe and well and were on their way back to shore at Sea Palling. Humber Coastguard Watch Manager Graham Dawson said: “The dive boat did exactly the right thing by calling us as soon

SEARCH ONGOING AT PORTRUSH FOR OWNER OF FISHING RODS

A search is currently underway for the owner of two fishing rods found near rocks at the Blue Pool, Portrush. A member of the public called Belfast Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at just after 11am because they had spotted the two abandoned fishing rods. Because the coastguard cannot be sure that the owner hadn’t fallen in to the water they sent the Portrush Coastguard Rescue Team, the RNLI Lifeboat from Portrush and the Irish Coastguard helicopter based at Sligo to the scene. Despite an extensive search the owner of the fishing rods has not been found. Belfast Coastguard Watch Manager Ian Murdock said: “Until we find out that the owner of the fishing rods is safe and well we have to assume the worst. If you were fishing at the Blue Pool last night or early this morning please call the coastguard, particularly if you left some equipment behind. “Rocks can be dangerous and slippery so please consider whether there is anywhere safer to fish. Because there is little t

FISHERMAN RESCUED AFTER BOAT SINKS OFF THE ISLE OF WIGHT

A fisherman has been rescued after his boat sank 10 miles south west of the Isle of Wight . Solent Coastguard received a mayday call from the vessel just before 10.40 this morning, reporting that he was taking on water. The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to a vantage point while the RNLI Yarmouth lifeboat and the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent were sent to the scene. Solent Coastguard also issued a Mayday Relay broadcast to other vessels in the area able to offer assistance.     The fisherman went into the water, but was wearing a lifejacket and had a handheld radio and distress flares with him. He set off one of the flares, and was located and winched on board by the Coastguard helicopter. He was then flown to St. Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight . Alan Waters, Duty Watch Manager at Solent Coastguard, said: "This fisherman was wearing a lifejacket, which no doubt aided his survival. He als

SEARCH FOR GIRL IN SEA IN SOUTH WALES

At 3.54pm on Sunday 7 July, Swansea Coastguard was contacted by South Wales Police reporting that a 14 year old girl was missing and was last seen struggling in the water an hour earlier at Whitmore Bay near Barry. Swansea Coastguard requested an air and sea search involving the Coastguard rescue helicopter from Portland, Barry Coastguard Rescue Team, Barry Dock and Penarth RNLI lifeboats, RNLI beach lifeguards and officers from South Wales Police. After an extensive search extending outwards from the last reported sighting, the girl has not been found. Steve Jones, Rescue Coordination Centre Manager at Swansea Coastguard said, "If you see someone in difficulty in the water you should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard immediately as any delay means vital search and rescue time is lost. "Occasionally the Coastguard receives false alarms when somebody who appears to be in difficulty does not need help but we would rather you call 999 anyway if you are genuinely concerned ab

COASTGUARD RESCUE OFFICER RECEIVES ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY AWARD

A member of the Eastbourne Coastguard Rescue Team who went to the rescue of a suicidal woman has been recognised for his bravery. On 14 March this year, Coastguard Rescue Officer Keith Rayment was heading to the Coastguard Rescue Station at Beachy Head to carry out maintenance on equipment. When he arrived, he carried out a quick tour of the car parks in the vicinity, and noticed a woman sat alone in a car. When he went to investigate, he saw that the woman was in the process of self-harming. He managed to get into the car, and stop her from causing any further injury to herself. Keith then called for assistance and continued to provide first aid whilst waiting for back up to arrive. The woman was then taken to hospital. Keith, who has been a member of the Eastbourne Coastguard Rescue Team for nearly 5 years, has now been awarded the Testimonial on Parchment from the Royal Humane Society. This is awarded when someone has put themselves in danger