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Showing posts from April, 2014

TIDE WARNING AFTER TWO RESCUES IN TWO HOURS

Humber Coastguard is again urging people to check the weather and tides before heading out after four people were rescued in two separate incidents this afternoon. The first 999 call came in just after 3pm from a member of the public who reported that two people had become cut off by the tide at Saltwick Nab, Whitby. The Whitby Coastguard Rescue Team, the Whitby RNLI lifeboat and the search and rescue helicopter from RAF Leconfield were sent to the scene. When they got there, they found two people were attempting to climb up the cliff away from the rising water. They were winched on board the helicopter and taken to the top of the cliff where they were met by Coastguard Rescue Officers. They weren’t hurt. Humber Coastguard took the second 999 call just after 4.30pm. This time, a man and a woman had become cut off by the rising tide in Wells, Norfolk. It was reported they were almost up to their necks in water   and   there was limited visibility due to the foggy   con

SHIP OPERATOR FINED AFTER OIL POLLUTION

The operator of a UK registered container ship has been ordered to pay £17,311.01 for breaching oil pollution legislation. The Ever Sigma – operated by Evergreen Marine – was en route from Greece to the Netherlands when 700 litres of heavy fuel oil went overboard. The incident occurred when the chief engineer decided to carry out an internal transfer of heavy fuel oil using two pumps.   The heavy fuel oil was not pre-heated prior to the transfer – and the vessel’s master was not informed.   A precautionary alarm sounded when the tank reached 336 tonnes (69% full).   However, the use of two pumps continued for another hour when the transfer was stopped when the fuel level reached 417 tonnes (85% full).   Shortly afterwards, the ship’s bosun – a senior crewman of the deck - was doing rounds when he noticed heavy fuel oil spilling onto the deck through an air pipe.   The alarm was raised and clean-up operations on board began.   This took about nine hours.   Unfo

RHYL COASTGUARDS AWARDED FOR FLOOD RESCUE EFFORTS

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Rhyl Coastguard Rescue Officers have won a prestigious award for their efforts in the December floods. They’ve been presented with a Mayor of Rhyl Flood Heroes Award for services to the town during some of the worst floods to hit the area for around 20 years. On 5 December 2013 , torrential rain and strong winds saw flooding affect approximately 200 homes, with most of the residents either elderly or infirm. The Coastguard Rescue Officers, geared up in their water rescue kit, carried out door to door searches, helping people to safety. Further flooding at Golden Sands Caravan Park resulted in 50 residents being evacuated to a safe area. Richard Furneaux, Coastguard Sector Manager for the Clywd area, said: “With their years of experience and training in place, the Coastguard Rescue Officers took command and control of what was a difficult and ever changing situation. Their quick decisions ensured the safety of hundreds of residents cut off by the flood w

SEARCH FOR MISSING SWIMMER OFF RAVENGLASS

A massive search is underway for a missing swimmer in the Ravenglass estuary. Liverpool Coastguard took a 999 call from a member of the public just after 9am this morning. They reported seeing a man up to his chest in the water and then attempt to swim across the estuary. He soon disappeared from v iew but his dog made it back to shore and was barking for his owner. The Millom and Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Teams, the search and rescue helicopter from RAF Valley, the St Bees RNLI inshore lifeboat, the Haverigg inshore rescue boat, along with Cumbria Fire and Rescue, Cumbria Police and North West Ambulance Service have been sent to the scene. Paul Parkes, Watch Manager at Liverpool Coastguard, said: “We are currently coordinating a large-scale search and doing all we can to find this missing man. “If anyone was in the area earlier this morning and has information on this swimmer, please call Liverpool Coastguard on 01519 313341.” UPDATE: 16.45 Monday 28 April Searc

HOLIDAYMAKER RESCUED FROM SEA IN OUTER HEBRIDES

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A holidaymaker was rescued when she got into difficulty in the sea after being cut off by the tide at Steinish in the  Outer Hebrides . Stornoway Coastguard was alerted by a local resident as the incident unfolded around  3:30pm  yesterday.   Two local coastguard rescue teams used specialist water rescue equipment – including drysuits and rope – to safely recover the woman. Murdo Macaulay, Watch Manager at Stornoway Coastguard, said:  “The woman was rescued within 16 minutes of us receiving the initial call. “She was tired from her ordeal, but didn’t sustain any injuries. “We advise people to check the weather and tides before they set out.”

COASTGUARDS ARE REMINDING PEOPLE TO ENJOY THE COAST AND STAY SAFE

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Coastguards want people to enjoy the British coastline, but they also want people to be able to go home at the end of their day.     When something goes wrong at the coast, it can spoil more than a nice day out, so listen to their advice and you can both enjoy and stay safe at the coast. The first thing to do is to check the weather and tides, you don’t want to hit the beach on a rainy day, or get cut off when the tide comes in.  It will also let you know if you need sunscreen, your trip home can ruined by sunburn! You want to wear the right sort of clothing and footwear for a trip to the coast, a coastal walk will need different clothes to laying on the beach, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.  And also be responsible about alcohol consumption, and try to go to a lifeguarded beach and listen to the advice they give you when there. If you have children with you, it’s a good idea to keep them well supervised, they may not be able to spot some of the dangers as easily as you.  

MEN RESCUED FROM OVERTURNED DINGHY IN FIRTH OF CLYDE

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Two men have been rescued after their small dinghy overturned in the Firth of Clyde.  They clung onto the hull before being swept away from the  dinghy by the choppy waves.   Belfast Coastguard asked a Royal Navy minesweeper on patrol near Ailsa Craig, which lies about 10 miles off the Scottish coast, to rescue the men there this afternoon.  The men let off a distress flare to guide HMS Blyth to them. Girvan all-weather lifeboat, Girvan Coastguard Rescue Team, and the Royal Navy helicopter from Prestwick also attended the incident.  Liam Colquhoun, Watch Manager at Belfast Coastguard, said:  “The minesweeper rescued the two casualties within 20 minutes of the initial call being made.  “They were cold and wet and were checked over by the minesweeper’s medical team. They weren’t injured.  “Fortunately, they were wearing lifejackets and carrying flares.”  The two men are being taken back to Girvan in the all-weather lifeboat. Photo from the Royal Navy.

NOT ALL DOG RESCUES HAVE A HAPPY ENDING

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Coastguards are reminding people to keep their dogs on leads near cliff edges after Benji spent 24 hours at the bottom of a cliff. Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Team had just helped return an ill man to safe ground when the call came in that someone was about to attempt to recover their dog.  Almost 24 hours earlier, Benji had gone over the cliff and his owners feared the worst. They returned the next day and were about to climb down when Belfast Coastguard was alerted and paged the Coleraine Team, who set up their specialised rope rescue equipment.  When they arrived at the base of the cliff they discovered Benji alive and returned him to his owners at the top of the cliff.  Station Officer Chris Little from Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Team said:  “This rescue shows just how important it is for dog owners to keep their dogs on leads near cliff edges and why you should never attempt a self rescue unless trained and equipped to do so.   “Cliff edges can be slippery and crumbly,

PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON TRIGGERS LYME BAY RESCUE

Two men were rescued by activating a personal locator beacon, (PLB) after their fishing boat broke down 21 miles offshore in Lyme Bay . Portland Coastguard first had contact with the vessel Sole Trader at 8am this morning for a radio check on departure from Weymouth Harbour .  At 11.55am, the Coastguard received a 406 MHz distress signal from a beacon in the Lyme Bay area and the Coastguard rescue helicopter from Portland and Sennen RNLI lifeboat were on scene within 30 minutes.  On arrival, it was apparent that the vessel had been taken out for sea trials with a new engine, which had stopped working.  The crew had made a VHF radio broadcast and also a VHF DSC distress call but due their distance offshore shore and being relatively low in the water these broadcasts were not picked up by anyone in the area so they activated the PLB. The Sole Trader was safely escorted back  to shore. During the search, Coastguards were able to access the vessel details and speak to a

PLEASURE VESSEL CAPSIZES AT BIDEFORD

Two men were recovered from the water this morning after their upturned boat was spotted near Bideford Bar.  One of the casualties has been confirmed as deceased. At 11am Swansea Coastguard was contacted by a vessel which had spotted an upturned 16 foot boat near Bideford Bar.  Two local vessels went to the boat and recovered two people from the water and the casualties were transferred to Appledore RNLI lifeboat and brought ashore.  One of the two men, who are described as in their 30’s, was confirmed as deceased at the scene.  Two dogs were also recovered from the vessel, one of which was dead. Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager David Hughes says, “Unfortunately both of these men were found in the water without lifejackets on.  Lifejackets are useless unless worn because when the unexpected happens there is no time to put one on”

GET YOUR BOAT SHIP SHAPE IN TIME FOR EASTER

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The long Easter weekend is the ideal time to get the boat back on the water and the Coastguard is calling on people to check that all is in order before setting out. Last year, the Coastguard dealt with 189 incidents in the four days from Good Friday to Easter Monday. One of the most common calls was for boats that had broken down or suffered some sort of machinery failure. Richard Martin, Chief Coastguard, said: “When a boat has been out of action over the winter months, it is important to check that everything is ship shape before taking to the water for the first time. “The UK coastline is a great place to enjoy and has a lot to offer at this time of year, with the days getting longer and weather improving. “The Coastguard would encourage people to make the most of it – and to do so safely. The last thing anyone wants is that Easter holiday boat trip ending with a call for help.” As well as checking that vessels are in good order, those taking to the water should follow

MAN RESCUED AFTER FREAK WAVE FLOODS CATAMARAN

A man was rescued off South Devon today when a freak wave flooded part of his catamaran causing it to sink quickly.  Brixham Coastguard took a Mayday call from the man saying that water was rapidly flooding a  hull of his catamaran at Hope Cove, Torbay.  The man was recovered from the vessel by Salcombe RNLI all weather lifeboat.   The sinking 28ft catamaran was towed to Bolt Head by the lifeboat.   The wooden wreck is unsalvageable and is expected to break up throughout the rest of the day.    There is no threat of pollution, as there was no fuel on board.  Salcombe Inshore Lifeboat and Hope Cove Coastguard Rescue Team also attended.  Matt Thornhill, Watch Officer at Brixham Coastguard, said: “The man was recovered safely and didn’t sustain any injuries.  “He was safely on the lifeboat within 24 minutes of us receiving the initial Mayday call.  “He was well prepared with a lifejacket, flares and VHF radio equipment.  “With the Easter holid

TWO BOYS CUT OFF BY RISING TIDE IN LLANTWIT MAJOR

Two boys were rescued last night after becoming cut off by the rising tide whilst walking at Summerhouse Point, Llantwit Major. Just after 6pm on Sunday 13 April 2014, Swansea Coastguard received a 999 emergency call from the two stranded youngsters. The boys, aged 13 and 14, had been walking on the beach when they got into difficulties. Swansea Coastguard kept the boys talking on their mobile phone, reassuring them that help was on the way. The Llantwit Major Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI Porthcawl lifeboat was sent to the area to locate the boys. The boys were recovered by the lifeboat and transferred to Barry dock where they were checked over by paramedics, before being reunited with their parents. David Jones, Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager said, "Always check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out for beach walks so that you can prepare accordingly. At sea changes in tidal streams could make conditions worse, particularly if the wind and tide are agains

LYMINGTON COASTGUARD VISITS DOWNING STREET

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A Lymington Coastguard Rescue Officer has this week visited Number 10 Downing Street in recognition of his rescue work during the winter storms. Paul Richman was part of the team that responded to the Valentine’s Day rescue at a Milford on Sea restaurant, where 32 people had become trapped. Solent Coastguard was first contacted at 10pm on Friday 14th February 2014 when the sea flooded the Marine Restaurant and the wind picked up the shingle from the beach and smashed through the ground floor windows.  When Paul and other members of the Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team arrived on scene, the water was flooding in to the restaurant and the front doors were bent and buckled. Nearby vehicles had overturned, beach huts smashed and the water was full of debris with waist deep waves sweeping people off their feet. Working alongside the other emergency services, including Army personnel, the 32 restaurant customers and staff were eventually helped to safety. Paul said: "It wa

DIVING INCIDENTS DROP TO LOWEST LEVEL IN TWO DECADES

The number of diving incidents has fallen to its lowest level in 21 years, according to the latest figures from the Coastguard. There were 136 incidents in 2013, which included 10 fatalities. The most common incident was decompression illness, with 44 cases recorded last year. A further 21 incidents were down to rapid ascent, which is likely to have developed into decompression illness. Other calls in 2013 included lost and / or missing divers, broken down vessels and divers with other medical problems. Now with the Easter holidays approaching, divers are once again being reminded of essential safety advice. Ken Bazeley, the Coastguard’s National Diving Liaison Officer, said: “The number of diving incidents has fallen to their lowest level since 1992, but still last year we saw 10 diving fatalities. We will continue to strive for a reduction in fatalities and serious injury. “The key message for divers is to remember to make a slow ascent, perform a safety stop and have s

TWELVE FOREIGN FLAGGED SHIPS UNDER DETENTION IN THE UK DURING MARCH 2014

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced today that twelve foreign flagged ships were under detention in UK ports during March 2014 after failing Port State Control ( PSC ) inspection. During March, there were six new detentions of foreign flagged vessels in UK ports.  Six vessels remained under detention from previous months.  Five vessels were released during March.  A total of seven vessels remain under detention at the end of March. 1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson's Inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (2009/16/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month. 2. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is