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Showing posts from March, 2014

CHECK TIDAL CONDITIONS BEFORE SETTING OUT URGE SWANSEA COASTGUARD

Swansea Coastguard is warning members of the public to check tidal conditions before setting out, after coordinating three separate incidents today, all involving people who have been cut off by the tide. At 4.30 this afternoon, a man contacted Swansea Coastguard to report that he was concerned for the safety of two people who appeared to be cut off by the tide at Cefn Sidan Sands, near Burry Port. Burry Port RNLI   inshore lifeboat was requested to launch, the Burry Port Coastguard Rescue Team attended and a rescue helicopter was scrambled. The two people were quickly located and recovered from the water by lifeboat. One of them was taken back to the lifeboat boathouse, whilst the second person, who was in a serious condition, was airlifted to hospital. In two other incidents, two groups of people were cut off on Mumbles Middlehead Island and Sully Island . In both cases the people had walked along a causeway to the island and had misjudged the time that it would take

COASTGUARDS HELP TWO MEN STRANDED OFF NORFOLK COAST

Two men on board a fishing boat have been brought safely back to shore after becoming stranded off the Norfolk coast . Humber Coastguard was first contacted by the 'NAURU' just after 9.30am this morning following an engine and electrical failure.   The RNLI all-weather lifeboat from Wells was sent to assist and stood by to help while the crew tried to restart the engine. When they couldn't get it going, t he decision was made to tow them into Wells Harbour where repairs could be carried out. Mike Green, Watch Manager with Humber Coastguard, said: "The 15 metre boat had left Harwich,  and was heading for Scarborough . It appears that this is the first time the two on board had taken the boat out. "It seems that they didn’t have a passage plan, and were seeking assistance for their onward voyage. However it transpired that the best option was to bring the vessel into Wells.   "The crew reacted to their dilemma in the best possible

CALL 999 IN AN EMERGENCY

HM Coastguard are reminding the public that if they think they see someone in trouble at sea or at the coast they should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.  You should not attempt self rescue unless you are trained and equipped to do so and discourage others from helping or they could also need rescuing.

OPERATOR FINED AFTER CARGO SHIP CRASHES INTO FARNE ISLANDS

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The operator of a coaster ship which grounded in an environmentally sensitive area off the Northumberland coast has been ordered to pay nearly £73,000 in fines and costs after its crew failed to keep a proper lookout. On the evening of 15 March 2013, the MV Danio left Perth, in Scotland, with a cargo of logs, destined for Ghent, in Belgium. The Master was on watch until around midnight when he handed over to the Chief Officer, who had contracted an eye infection after handling a previous ‘dusty’ cargo. After coming on watch the Chief Officer’s eyes became increasingly irritable, so he sat on a settee, put his head back, and administered some prescription eye drops. He then inadvertently fell asleep. He was woken up 90 minutes later by the noise of the ship grounding in the early hours of 16 March. Examination of the AIS track showed that the vessel went in a straight line from the Firth of Forth until it ran aground on rocks underneath the Farne Island lighthouse. There was no looko

WINTER STORMS - ABERYSTWYTH

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Aberystwyth and Borth Coastguard Rescue Teams   Between  3 January 2014  and  12 February 2014 , Coastguard Rescue Officers from the Aberystwyth and Borth teams were called into action repeatedly.  Each time they left their own families and properties, knowing they were at risk of storm and flood damage, so they could help those in their communities. Keith Morgan from Aberystwyth and  Allan Lloyd from Borth both lead their teams through the eleven occasions they were called out.  During this time the teams put themselves at risk to evacuate the elderly and vulnerable, man safety cordons to prevent the public from putting themselves in danger, and giving safety advice to the public who were in direct risk of being knocked over by the large waves.  George Crumpler, their Sector Manager was one of the first on scene as hurricane force winds hit  Aberystwyth. George provided safety cover to a police officer as they ran between the waves that were ripping up the seafront to

WINTER STORMS - NORTH NORFOLK DEVASTATION

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In the face of the worst tidal surge in more than 60 years, Coastguards up and down the east coast of  England  were facing treacherous conditions during the night of  5 th  December 2013 . Tony Garbutt was called late afternoon and asked to assist with evacuations of properties at Walcott. He, along with the Happisburgh and Mundesley Coastguard Rescue Team, were out in the dark, battling the elements, but were on hand throughout to ensure everyone got out safely. There was also big concern about the coastal erosion at Happisburgh. With the worsening conditions, Tony and his team escorted people from their houses to safety. Tony and the teams  worked through the night and into the next day to ensure the safety of the public. He was on scene for almost 24 hours. Richard Martin, Chief Coastguard says,  “Coastguards have worked tirelessly over the past few months as storms and tidal surges have battered many parts of the  UK  coastline. I'd like to take a

WINTER STORMS - BABIES RESCUED THROUGH CRASHING WAVES

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Margate  Coastguard Rescue Team and  Dover  Coastguard In one of the worst tidal surges we’ve seen in more than 60 years, massive waves were hitting the  UK  coastline. On Friday 6 December, a 999 call was made to the Coastguard reporting that two women with babies in prams and a dog had become cut off by the large waves crashing over the promenade at  Louisa   Bay , Broadstairs. The water was rising and the sea front was starting to flood. Dover Coastguard sent the Margate Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene and first to arrive was Peter Overton. He located the group who were sheltering behind a container, having been drenched by one of the waves. He scouted the area and found himself a safe position as close to the group as he possibly could. From there, he shouted out some instructions. When the time was right, he told them to make a break for it in between the crashing waves. All four of them, plus the two dogs, managed to get away from the stormy sea. Apart fr

WINTER STORMS - NORTH WALES, FIRST ON SCENE

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Rhyl, Dee, Moelfre and Penmon – and also HM Coastguard’s Sector Manager for Clywd and Holyhead Coastguard. North Wales  was one of the first areas hit by the floods this winter. On  5 December 2013 , the Rhyl and Dee Coastguard Rescue Teams responded to serious flooding in a residential area of Rhyl. Officer in charge that day was Ged Butters and his decisions ensured the safety of hundreds of residents cut off by the flood waters. Approximately 200 hundred houses were affected with most residents being elderly and infirm. The teams, geared up in their water rescue kit, carried out door to door searches and everyone was eventually accounted for. Some residents were taken to hospital to be checked over. Further flooding at  Golden   Sands   Caravan   Park  resulted in 50 residents being evacuated to a safe area. Dee Coastguard Rescue Team also supervised the evacuation of residents in an area of Talacre. Meanwhile, the Moelfre and Penmon Coastguard Rescue Teams were sen

FISHING VESSEL SINKS IN SHETLAND

Two crew from a fishing vessel were recovered from the sea overnight and flown to hospital after a Mayday call to the Coastguard. At 2.55am Shetland Coastguard received a Mayday call from a fishing vessel reporting a position and that they had hit rocks and were going over. No further radio contact was made. Shetland Coastguard sent the Coastguard rescue helicopter from Sumburgh and requested the launch of Aith RNLI lifeboat to the position in the west of Shetland at West Burrafirth .   Three fishing vessels in the area also responded to the Coastguard and a local vessel called Diana Maxwell recovered one man from the water and a second man was recovered aboard the Aith RNLI lifeboat and both men were airlifted by helicopter to Gilbert Bain Hospital on Shetland.    

WINTER STORMS - FESTIVE RESCUE AT KENT CARAVAN PARK

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On Christmas Eve, Colin Ingram, Sector Manager for  North Kent  had just sat down with his family to start his festive break. Little did he know at that moment what the night had in store for him and three of his Coastguard Rescue Teams. HM Coastguard’s normal area of operation is along the  UK  coast and shoreline, but on that afternoon of Christmas Eve 2013, there was an emergency situation developing inland. With the onslaught of heavy rain, flood waters were rapidly rising at the   Little Venice Caravan and Marina Park at  Yalding ,  Kent . The watch keeping staff at Thames Coastguard were contacted to see if they could help. They could, and a decision was quickly made to dispatch Colin and his specially trained water rescue teams to the caravan site.   Colin and his Coastguard Rescue Officers from the Medway, Sheppey and Herne Bay Coastguard Rescue Teams  worked tirelessly throughout Christmas Eve and into the early hours of Christmas Day. Through the rising flood waters

TEENAGER RESCUED FROM CLIFFS AT CHARMOUTH

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On Saturday afternoon, Lyme and West Bay Coastguard Rescue Teams rescued a 17 year old from cliffs near Charmouth.   He had become stuck approximately 40 metres down whilst trying to recover a dog.   The picture shows cracks and crevasses in the cliff top as this area is particularly unstable especially after the wet weather earlier this year. Coastguard advice for dog owners is to always keep your pet on a lead near cliff edges

CRUMBLING CLIFFS COULD FALL AWAY UNDER YOUR FEET

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Some sections of our coastline are particularly vulnerable to cliff falls and landslips. We are again advising the public to take great care when walking on cliff paths or along beaches, and take note of any warning signs in place. Please try not to get too close to cliff edges, as they could be unstable and crumble away under your feet. This is particularly obvious at Birling Gap, where cracks have formed along the cliffs. Also, there is currently no access via the steps from the beach at the Seven Sisters Country Park, so make sure you're aware that you could end up being cut off by the incoming tide. Remember, if you do get into difficulty, or spot someone who might be in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

WOMAN RESCUED FROM MUD ON NORTH SOMERSET BEACH

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A holidaymaker has been rescued today after getting stuck in mud on a beach in  North Somerset . Swansea Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public around  12:30pm  that a woman was in trouble at  Blue Anchor   Bay . Specialist mud rescue volunteers from Watchet and Minehead Coastguard Rescue Teams recovered the woman. They injected water into the mud to make it soft, before digging the casualty out and transferring her onto a stretcher to a waiting ambulance to be checked out. She didn’t sustain any injuries. Steve Matthews, Watch Manager at Swansea Coastguard, said: “The woman was well and truly stuck in the mud.   Our mud rescue teams were on scene very quickly and she was safely recovered. “ If you become stuck in mud try to spread your weight as much as possible.   If you have a mobile phone call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.   Avoid moving and stay as calm as you can. Discourage others from attempting to rescue you, since without the prope

TWO MUD RESCUES WITHIN HOURS AT HERNE BAY

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Coastguard Rescue Officers were called out to two mud rescues within hours of each other at Bishopstone, Herne Bay yesterday. Thames Coastguard took the first call for help just before midday when two people had become stuck up to their thighs. Herne Bay and Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Teams, with the help of the fire service, managed to rescue one of them from the mud. The other was able to get out unaided.  No more than 90 minutes later, Thames Coastguard took another 999 call, this time reporting that two women and a dog had become stuck in the mud in the same place. This time, those in trouble were up to their waists. Again, the Herne Bay and Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to the scene, and along with the help of the fire service, they rescued the three from the thick mud. They were checked over by paramedics. If you find yourself stuck in mud, you should call 999 straight away and ask for the Coastguard.   First of all, try to spread your weight as much a

Fire safety advice for boaters

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Two people and a dog escaped from a boat fire last night in Dartmouth. As this is the second boat fire in the area in just one week Brixham Coastguard has been prompted to remind boaters of the top fire safety tips; 1. Fit smoke alarms, carbon monoxide and gas detectors. 2. Turn fuel off properly after use. 3. Dispose of cigarettes carefully. Put them out, right out. 4. Make sure appliances are installed and maintained by a trained fitter. 5. Clean up fuel spillages straight away. 6. Plan your emergency procedure and make sure everyone on board knows it. 7. Avoid fighting a fire yourself. 8. Get out, stay out and wait for the Fire and Rescue Service. 9. If you are moored near land move everybody off the boat and call 999 immediately. 10. If you are off-shore move as far away from the fire as you can on deck. Get everybody into life jackets and make a mayday call. 11. Keep fire blankets and extinguishers close to exits and risk points, such as th

CANADIAN CANOES SWAMPED BY WAVES ON THEIR WAY TO SALT ISLAND

An overnight trip to Salt Island ended prematurely when five Canadian canoes were swamped by waves as they crossed Stangford Lough. At just after 12 noon a member of the public called 999 to report that two kayaks were in difficulty north of Green Island and there were people in the water. Belfast Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre sent the Coastguard Rescue Teams based in Portaferry and Bangor to the Lough with the RNLI Lifeboat based in Portaferry. Dive Rhib Nemo also joined the rescue. Seven canoeists from a party of 14 were pulled from the water. All 4 adults and 10 teenagers were taken to the shore by the two boats where they received medical attention. Jude McNeice Belfast MRCC Watch Manager said: “The group were equipped with lifejackets and safety helmets but obviously weren’t expecting to spend time in the cold water. “Although the sun is shining the wind is blowing and so conditions on the Lough are quote rough. I’d just like to take this opportunity to re

SKIPTON CANAL BOAT COMPANY FINED AFTER OPERATING UNLICENSED VESSELS

A senior director of a canal boat company has today been ordered to pay £3,600 in fines and costs after pleading guilty to operating passenger vessels in  North Yorkshire  without valid passenger certificates. Ian Clarke, and the company Pennine Cruisers Ltd, pleaded guilty to four charges. Canal boats ‘Sam’ and ‘Leo’ operate on a section of the  Leeds  to  Liverpool  canal at Skipton and are authorised to carry no more than 12 passengers. Carrying more than 12 passengers would require the vessels to be surveyed and issued with passenger certificates if they met the required safety standards. On  31 July 2013  a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) surveyor saw ‘Leo’ being operated with 13 passengers on board and the company was spoken to. ‘Sam’ was filmed operating with 13 passengers on board on  2 August 2013  while under the control of Mr Clarke. These incidents occurred after the company had received several warnings from the MCA about carrying excess passe

MAJOR SEARCH OFF LOWESTOFT

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Humber Coastguard are coordinating a major search off Lowestoft this afternoon. They received a 999 call from a member of the public just before 2pm today reporting a person in the water and an overturned boat at Ness Point. RNLI Lifeboats from Lowestoft, Southwold and Gorleston, along with Lowestoft and Gorleston Coastguard Rescue Teams and Suffolk Police are on scene.  An RAF Rescue helicopter is also attending. A commercial windfarm vessel which was in the area is assisting. UPDATE: 7.15pm Monday 10th March A thorough search of the area has been carried out this afternoon and into this evening, but nothing else found. Unless any new information comes to light, the sea search has now been stood down. UPDATE: 9.30pm Monday 10th March Humber Coastguard has made the decision to carry out further searches tonight between Lowestoft and Southwold. This involves the Lowestoft and Southwold Coastguard Rescue Teams, the RAF search and rescue helicopter from Watt

CREW RESCUED FROM SINKING CARGO VESSEL

Falmouth Coastguard has been assisting a cargo vessel which had six people on board and began sinking 12 miles east of the Lizard this morning. Lizard and Falmouth RNLI Lifeboats and a rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose attempted to pump water out of vessel, the ‘Sea Breeze’, with their own pumps. Other merchant vessels, who heard the mayday relay broadcast from Falmouth Coastguard, also stood by in case they were required. Alex Greig, Falmouth Coastguard Watch Manager says: “We received the mayday broadcast from the ‘Sea Breeze’ at 7.00 am and were able to get lifeboats and the helicopter on scene quickly, along with other vessels that were in the vicinity. The lifeboats and helicopter pumped water off the cargo vessel, whilst HMS Tyne was on its way with commercial pumps. However, unfortunately, the smaller pumps could not keep up with the ingress of water and the crew had to abandon ship at 8.40 am. Five of the crew are now safely ashore. A couple of them have minor i

Coastguard search for missing man in Portsmouth / Selsey area

Coastguards are searching for a man who is missing somewhere between Portsmouth and Selsey. He is 40 years old, 6ft, of slim build with dark hair and is carrying a large backback which has a deflated inflatable kayak strung to it. If you have any information which could help us to find him please call Solent Coastguard on 023 92 552100.

REVELLERS AT RISK NEAR RIVER HUMBER

At just after 11 pm last night, Humber Coastguard received a 999 call reporting a large number of people partying in a potentially dangerous spot. The area called Humberston Fitties, on the south bank of the River Humber is an area of mud, sand and marshland. The caller told the Coastguard that these people were in potential danger, and that visibility was down to less than 25 metres in the foggy conditions overnight. Humber Coastguard liaised with the police and sent the Coastguard Rescue Team from Cleethorpes to help and provide safety cover. Once on scene, it was estimated that between 30 and 40 people were in the area. Working with the police, the people were eventually encouraged to leave the area in the best interests of safety. Mike Puplett Humber Coastguard Watch Manager said ‘These people were in danger out on the marsh in fog at night, in cold weather and with the threat of an incoming tide during the hours of darkness. It was apparent that alcohol was flowing