Get Prepared Before You Set Out to Sea
The National Maritime Operations Centre received a 999 call
earlier this afternoon from a couple who were in difficulty on their speedboat
off the Highcliffe coast, in Dorset.
The couple were finding the sea conditions too rough, and
requested assistance. They also reported that they had no lifejackets on board.
The Coastguard requested the RNLI lifeboat from Mudeford to launch
and recover the couple, and their boat, back to Christchurch Harbour.
Coastguard Controller, Matthew Leat said,
“Recreational boaters should wear an appropriate floatation
device such as a lifejacket or buoyancy aid at all times. We also recommend that
you always check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out so that
you can prepare accordingly. We also urge boaters to invest in the correct
communications equipment, a fixed DSC VHF radio is far more reliable than a
mobile phone in an emergency situation."