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Showing posts from March, 2015

CAPSIZED TUG AT FAWLEY

At 8.15pm the Coastguard received a Mayday call from a sailing vessel reporting that a tug had capsized at the Fawley marine terminal.  One person was seen the water and was recovered to the shore and is being treated for hypothermia. The Coastguard coordinated a search of the area for a second crew member involving RNLI lifeboats from Lymington, Calshot and Cowes and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Southampton and Lymington and Southampton Port patrol vessel. A second crew member was located at 8.29pm and recovered from the water to the lifeboat and has been transferred to hospital. All crew have now been accounted for and the search has finished.   The vessel which is a commercial tug, remains capsized and sunk and weather conditions on scene tonight are strong winds and poor visibility. There is no reported pollution on scene tonight.

SEA KAYAKERS RESCUED AFTER SQUALL OFF SKYE

Two males in sea kayak canoes have been rescued by the RNLI Lifeboat from Portree after capsizing during a trip from the Isle of Raasay to The Braes on Skye. Stornoway Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received a 999 call at 8:50pm on Sunday evening from the mother of one of the men reporting that the pair had left Raasay House at about 8pm to paddle to The Braes on the Isle of Skye, a distance of just over a mile, but had not arrived. She also said that there had been a heavy rain squall in the area during the time of their crossing. The Coastguard sent the RNLI Lifeboat from Portree and the Portree Coastguard Rescue Team to their last known location. While the rescue teams were on their way the mother called again. She had found both of the kayakers on the shore of the Braes peninsula but they needed help as they were both very cold. The lifeboat rescued both the kayakers from the shore and transported them to Portree for medical attention. The Coastguard team escorted

NINE ROWERS RESCUED FROM THE RIVER ITCHEN, SOUTHAMPTON

Nine rowers, who were out on a training exercise, have been recovered from the River Itchen near Northam Bridge this evening after their rowing skiff capsized and they were thrown into the water. The incident was coordinated by the National Maritime Operations Centre at Fareham, who requested the Calshot RNLI Lifeboat, Hillhead and Southampton Coastguard Rescue Teams to attend. The lifeboat recovered eight people from the water and the club’s safety boat recovered a further one. Maritime Operations Controller Ian Guy said: “All of the rowers were recovered to the shore by the inshore lifeboat and the safety boat . Although cold and wet, they are safe and well.”

OWNER OF THAMES CRUISE VESSEL FINED FOR NO PASSENGER SAFETY CERTIFICATE

At the City of London Magistrates today, Colin Bullock, the Director of River Thames Boat Hire Ltd, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Merchant Shipping Act. Mr Bullock was the owner and sole operator of the Kingwood, a Thames steamer cruise boat, built in 1915. The vessel’s Passenger Safety certificate expired on 23 rd January 2013. At approximately 9pm on New Year’s Eve 2013, the Kingwood was involved in a stern-to-stern collision while it was attempting to berth at Greenwich pier. There were no injuries and only minimal damage was sustained to the vessel. The Kingwood was due to be used as a party boat for the New Year’s celebrations despite not having a valid passenger safety certificate. The event had been advertised online as a four and a half hour cruise embarking from Greenwich Pier. The price per passenger was £140 including alcoholic drinks, 99 tickets had been sold.  The cruise was abandoned. At the time Mr Bullock was acting as the Master of the Kingwood

Fisherman breaches Prohibition Notice

At a hearing today at Weymouth Magistrates Court, the Owner/Skipper of a fishing vessel was fined a total of £500 plus costs of £1000 plus a victim impact surcharge of £50 after pleading guilty to breaches of maritime safety legislation. The Freya May is a small wooden fishing vessel which is 6.5m in length and is owned and skippered by Luke Copperthwaite.  The vessel had been inspected in late 2012 by a surveyor from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) when some defects were noted. The defects included lack of safety training and radio certificates plus structural problems with the wheelhouse. Although some of the defects were subsequently cleared, the MCA was not notified. The vessel inspection certificate subsequently expired.   Attempts to contact Mr Copperthwaite brought no response. Eventually a Prohibition Notice was issued stopping the Freya May from sailing as a commercial fishing vessel.  Again no response was received so the matter was passed to the MCA Enfor

WHAT TO CHECK ON YOUR BOAT - CHECKING YOUR LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT

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No one ever wants to use their life saving equipment on a boat, but as Marine Surveyors it’s one of the most important things we check.  We want to know it will work when someone needs it and it has to work each time it’s needed. When you see a surveyor out doing an inspection or survey and we’re wearing a lifejacket, it’s because we understand the dangers from years of experience and it tells us to wear a lifejacket when on the water. We take responsibility for our safety and you should take yours seriously as well. Your lifejacket is your primary piece of safety equipment and it has to work, whatever the type is.  On your lifejacket or buoyancy aid, check that it is in date.  If it is out of date, get it serviced.  Check the light if you have one, if you don’t we recommend that you fit one.  Check that the seams are intact on the inflatable parts and check the stitching on the straps. You need to check that the gas bottle is free from rust and screwed in and if you a

COASTGUARD LOCATE FOUR CUT OFF BY TIDE

This afternoon just after 6pm the National Maritime Operations Centre were contacted by Dorset Police. The police had received a 999 call from a foreign national who was panicking because he and his group of three friends were lost and becoming cut off by a rising tide. The Coastguard dealing with the foreign national, connected the call to a language interpreter as well. This enabled a series of thorough questions to be received and translated so that the location of the group could be identified. The Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team, who were already in the area having dealt with a mud rescue, diverted onto the search for the missing men. The men were thought to be in the vicinity between the Pinnacles and Old Harry Rocks. The Swange inshore and all weather lifeboats were requested to the search area, and while the Coastguard was still on the line to the foreign man, the lifeboat located the group and recovered them all safety. The group of four men were then transferr

COASTGUARD RESCUE TWO FROM MUD IN POOLE

This afternoon just after 5pm the National Maritime Operations Centre received two calls in quick succession about two different casualties stuck in the Mud in the Poole area of Dorset. The first incident involved a local lady walking her dog. The Poole Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) were able to release the woman from the mud using their specialist mud rescue equipment.  The Dorset Fire team also arrived on scene to assist. The lady was freed from the mud and handed into the care of an ambulance team. Her dog is also fine. On the other side of the harbour, a bait digger also become stuck in the mud. The Swanage CRT got on scene quickly to assist the man. The Poole CRT and the Dorset Fire team proceeded to the scene via the Swanage chain ferry. Steve Mann, the Coastguard Senior Maritime Operations Officer, said Today in both instances the Coastguard was informed first, which meant we were able to quickly get on scene. Our advice if you do find yourself stuck in the mu

WHAT TO CHECK ON YOUR BOAT - CHECKING YOUR ENGINE, ELECTRICS AND GAS

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These batteries were under oily bilge water as can be  seen by the residue on the cables and the marks on  the bulkheads and the connections are now  extremely corroded.  As a marine Surveyor I inspect all sorts of vessels to make sure they are safe to go to sea.  Everything we do is about keeping ships, their crews and passengers safe and our knowledge can be used by pleasure boaters to keep you safe as well. When it comes to your engine, there are things you can check yourself, such as the oil and water levels.  Check to see if you have oil leaking from the seals and if you do you will need to get them replaced.  Don’t forget to check the batteries to make sure the acid levels are correct and there’s no corrosion on the terminals or the connectors.  It’s a good idea to get your engine serviced before you first set out. It may have been sitting there all winter so get it checked by a professional before it breaks down and you need to be towed in. With your ele

INVERNESS SEARCH AND RESCUE HELICOPTER SERVICE LAUNCHED

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Richard Parkes, MCA welcomes guests and the press in a ceremony to launch the Inverness SAR base. Image credit; Bristow The launch of the Inverness civilian UK search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service was marked today (Tuesday 17 March) in a ceremony held at the new SAR base at Inverness Airport. Bristow Helicopters Ltd, a UK limited company, was awarded the ten year UK SAR contract by the Department for Transport in March 2013 and will deliver the service on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) from ten bases strategically located close to areas of high SAR incident rates. These bases will go live in a phased approach with the first bases at Inverness and Humberside due to begin receiving taskings from the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) on 1 April 2015. Bristow crews will deliver the UK SAR helicopter service on behalf of HM Coastguard with state-of-the-art helicopters, equipped with the latest search and rescue technology including night visi

MOTHERS HELP OTHERS - COASTGUARDS AND MUMS

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Mother’s Day is a chance for mum’s to put their feet up, relax and be spoilt for a change, even if it doesn’t always work out that way.  But if you’re a Coastguard Rescue Officer you will never be far from your pager, ready to respond to the call for help.  No matter what time or what day it is, even if you’re a mum on Mother’s Day. On being a Coastguard and a Mum, Susan Simpson from Arbroath C oastguard R escue T eam (CRT), Julie McFadzean from the Isle of Muck CRT, Emma Rance from Kimmeridge CRT, and Hollie Jeffery from the Bexhill CRT say this in their own words. Susan Simpson, Coastguard and Mum. Susan Simpson in a Sea King SAR Helicopter and in yellow with her team mates “Being a coastguard rescue officer is something I am immensely proud of. To be able to help others in their hour of need is a great reward. As a single mother to a six year old girl it is important to me to show her how helping others is something we should all do more of. Of course it is hard w

WHAT TO CHECK ON YOUR BOAT - CHECKING YOUR RIGGING AND LINES

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Extremely rotten rope on an access ladder Now that you’ve had some good advice from my colleagues about the hull and superstructure on your boat, I want to talk to you about the rigging and also your lines and ropes. Depending on what type of boat you have you might have a lot of rigging to check. Look at the alignment or your rigging and if you see anything wrong with it you will need to get a specialist to fix it if you’re not trained/qualified.  You really don’t want something to go wrong with it when you need it. You’ll also need to check the rigging for bends, fraying and rust.  Again, if there’s a problem, call the specialist. If you have a sailing boat you’ll need to check the standing rigging and masts.  Make sure the mast is securely in place and that all the rigging connections to the deck are secure.  This is vital and must be checked. When it comes to your ropes and lines, one of the things you’re looking for is damage from UV light.  The insides can go pow

FRI SEA REFLOATED

At 19.52 on Sunday evening, the owners of the cargo vessel FRI SEA reported that the vessel had been refloated with the aid of a tug and was safely alongside her intended berth at Clyde Boyd Corpach.

TWO DIVERS RESCUED AT PLYMOUTH

Two divers were rescued safe and well from Plymouth breakwater after a search today. Just after 11.30am their dive boat reported them as overdue to Falmouth Coastguard.  The dive boat recovered his other divers from roughly the same area but reported that the two missing divers could not be located.    A search was carried out involving Plymouth RNLI All Weather and Inshore Lifeboat, a Rescue Helicopter from RAF Chivenor, two warships, a Police Launch and another Dive Boat. The divers were located safe and well on the inside of the breakwater.  The missing pair were taken by the tide and had drifted outside the scheduled dive area.

FRI SEA UPDATE 8/3/15

The owners of the cargo vessel FRI SEA have contracted a tug which, will be on scene this evening. An attempt to refloat the vessel is likely to be undertaken and high water tonight is 7.50pm.

KITE SURFER RECOVERED AT HUNSTANTON

Just before 3pm today Humber Coastguard received multiple 999 calls from the public on the beach at Hunstanton, reporting that a kite surfer was in difficulty and being dragged out. The Coastguard requested the launch of Hunstanton RNLI inshore lifeboat and Hunstanton Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to the beach.  Shortly after 3pm, a male kite surfer was recovered unconscious from the water to the beach by members of the public.  Coastguard Rescue Officers and lifeboat crew undertook CPR for the casualty who was then transferred to hospital by the East of England air ambulance.   Coastguard Watch Manager Fran Wilkins who was coordinating the incident this afternoon said, “Members of the public at the beach were quick to call 999 for the Coastguard and gave us clear information.  This helped us to get responders to the scene quickly"

CARGO VESSEL AGROUND AT FORT WILLIAM

Just before midday today Stornoway Coastguard was contacted by the general cargo vessel FRI SEA reporting that they had gone aground during docking manoeuvres at Corpach, close to Fort William. There are no injuries and no signs of pollution at this time.  The crew remain on board the vessel. The Secretary Of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention is aware and is monitoring the situation.  The 91 metre cargo vessel went aground at high water and it is likely that an attempt to refloat the vessel will be made at high water on Sunday.

COASTGUARDS GIVE TIPS ON COASTAL WALKING

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If you’re thinking of going for a walk along the coast to visit some of the stunning locations we have in the UK, it’s always good to go prepared.  As well as taking some food and something to drink, there’s some other tips we can give you to make sure you enjoy your walk. Because conditions can change quickly, we always say you should check the weather before setting out.  Make sure you have appropriate clothing to keep warm and dry and also check the tide times so you don’t get cut off, especially when walking on the shoreline, beaches or crossing tidal causeways. Keep a look out for warning signs, they can warn you of all sorts of dangers you may not have thought of. We want people to enjoy the coastline as much as we do. Some of the coastal paths, even on a sunny day can be quite muddy and a lot of them are strewn with rocks so it’s a good idea to make sure you have the right type of shoes or boots.  We have a really good relationship with Ordnance Survey and their map

WHAT TO CHECK ON YOUR BOAT - ROPES, RIGGING AND LINES

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The rope on this access ladder is extremely rotten and badly repaired. Now that you’ve had some good advice from my colleagues about the hull and superstructure on your boat, I want to talk to you about the rigging and also your lines and ropes. Depending on what type of boat you have you might have a lot of rigging to check. Look at the alignment or your rigging and if you see anything wrong with it you will need to get a specialist to fix it if you’re not trained/qualified.  You really don’t want something to go wrong with it when you need it. You’ll also need to check the rigging for bends, fraying and rust.  Again, if there’s a problem, call the specialist. If you have a sailing boat you’ll need to check the standing rigging and masts.  Make sure the mast is securely in place and that all the rigging connections to the deck are secure.  This is vital and must be checked. When it comes to your ropes and lines, one of the things you’re looking for is damage from UV

LYSBLINK SEAWAYS - UPDATE 6 MAR 15

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Lysblink Seaways under tow The Lysblink Seaways is now safely berthed alongside in the Great Harbour at Clydeport. She arrived there at 7.55pm yesterday with the tug Luca and harbour tug Svtizer Milford involved, with the Forth Jouster helping where needed. The tug Afon Menai was released and is returning to North Wales. The salvors contract has now been terminated and responsibility for the vessel was returned to the owners at 8pm. A counter pollution plan has been agreed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Clydeport. As a contingency arrangement a sorbent boom has been placed around the Lysblink Seaways for the duration alongside the berth. Preparations to receive the vessel into the dry dock at Inchgreen are continuing – it is estimated this could be on Wednesday 11 th March. Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State’s representative Maritime Salvage and Intervention said: “I’m delighted with the way this operation has been carried out." “It has been a great ex

LYSBLINK SEAWAYS UPDATE 5 MARCH 2015

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The tow of the Lysblink Seaways is well under way with no ingress of water. It’s expected that she will arrive at the repair facility at Inchgreen, Greenock on the Firth of Clyde later today. Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State’s representative Maritime Salvage and Intervention who agreed the passage plan for the 150 nautical mile trip, said the tow had handled well. The temporary exclusion zone will remain in place around the Lysblink Seaways until she enters the Sound of Jura. The Scottish Environment Group continues to monitor events and is supporting the work being done.  

LYSBLINK SEAWAYS UPDATE 4 MARCH 2015

Weather permitting the tow of the cargo vessel Lysblink Seaways will begin at 1300 today. A passage plan agreed by Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State’s representative Maritime Salvage and Intervention covers the 150 nautical mile tow to Inchgreen, Greenock on the Firth of Clyde. Mr Shaw said, “The tow will, where possible, take advantage of sheltered waters and will move through the Sound of Mull, Firth of Lorn, Sound of Jura and the North Channel before entering the Firth of Clyde.” The tug Luca will be the towing vessel and the tug Afon Menai will be connected to the stern. The Forth Jouster will provide support for the operation. Svitzer Salvage will have a team and salvage equipment, on board the ‘Lysblink Seaways’ for the duration of the tow. The current temporary exclusion zone in Scallastle Bay will be cancelled but another will be put into place until she enters the Sound of Jura. The Coastguard vessel MCA Hunter will provide safety cover between Scallastle Bay and t

LYSBLINK SEAWAYS –UPDATE 3 MARCH 15

The owners of the Lysblink Seaways have confirmed that the delivery port agreed with the salvors will be Inchgreen, Greenock on the Firth of Clyde. A voyage passage plan is being finalised and, weather permitting, the tow may commence tomorrow. Svitzer Salvage has a team on board and continue to prepare the Lysblink Seaways for her tow to the repair facility. The vessel will remain anchored at Scallastle Bay in the Sound of Mull until a decision is made by Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State’s representative Maritime Salvage and Intervention to allow her to move. A temporary exclusion zone of 100 metres remains in place. The Scottish Environment Group continues to monitor events and is supporting the work being done.  Notes to Editors For further information please contact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office on 02380 329401. You can also find us on Twitter @MCA_media

SWANSEA MARITIME RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE CLOSES

The media have the opportunity to interview Peter Mizen to about the closure of the station at Swansea and learn more about the new national Coastguard network, scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2015. The National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) and 10 other Coastguard Operation Centres around the UK will work together to manage the workload. For further information about the new structure, click here . Peter will come to your recording studio or a location of your choice. We do not have premises available. Please book your place with Sophie Turner / Heather Skull in the MCA Press Office on 02380 329401 before 15:00 on Wednesday 4 March 2015.

MUD RESCUE LYMINGTON RIVER 01 MAR 2015

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A mother and daughter have been rescued by Coastguard teams after getting stuck in the mud outside Lymington River. Lymington Coastguard, assisted by Hill Head Coastguard and Hampshire Fire and Rescue service were called to the incident which was reported yesterday at 2.20pm. The two were stuck in the mud at Tanners Lane beach about 30metres from the shoreline. Two other members of the family – father and son – were also there but not stuck. The mother went to the aid of her daughter but then both got stuck and the emergency services were called. Coastguards arrived on the scene at 2.40pm. By 3.20pm the coastguard team had rescued the two and passed them onto the South Central Ambulance paramedics for medical care. Colin Tabor, station officer at Lymington Coastguard said,  “This was a challenging one because of the location and also because we were faced with deteriorating weather conditions and a flood tide. “There was also some concern about the cold and how it might aff

WHAT TO CHECK ON YOUR BOAT - CHECKING YOUR DECK AND CABIN AREAS

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My colleague last week talked about checking the hull, propeller, sea valves and rudder on your boat, so this week I want to talk to about the deck and cabin areas.  Photo 1 There’s not a part of your boat that isn’t important but these are areas often overlooked.  You need to check the deck, especially any joins, to make sure it’s not cracked or corroded and that there’s no corrosion on any of the metal fastenings – bolts, screws, nails.  If you do need to replace fastenings, make sure they are the right type, if you’re sailing at sea you don’t want to use ones designed for fresh water. Does the deck feel springy or soft when walking around? This could suggest damage. Do a press test on any wooden areas of the deck with a small cross head screwdriver to check for rot; flaky paint could be a sign that the wood below is rotten. Any rotted areas of wood should be replaced.  Check the rubber seals of any joins and around hatches, doorways and windows to make sure they haven’t