Plea from coastguard as incident numbers go up by half in 24 hour period


The number of recorded incidents dealt with by HM Coastguard yesterday has been the highest recorded since the UK was put into lockdown in late March.
In a 24 hour period, there were 54% more incidents than the average recorded for the previous month – the average has been 63. Yesterday saw 97 incidents.
Matt Leat, duty commander with HM Coastguard said the reason for the increase was simple: ‘People are ignoring the measures put into place by the Government,’ he said.
‘I completely understand that the weather and the Bank Holiday coupled with the fact that we’ve been in this lockdown situation for just over six weeks has tempted people out to our beautiful coasts. However, as the Government said only yesterday, it’s really vital that we all continue to observe the guidance.
‘Every time we get a 999 or distress call, we will always respond but the minute we send in a rescue response, we’re putting our frontline responders at risk as well as putting the NHS under avoidable pressure.
‘Please, please continue to observe the #StayHomeSaveLives message – it’s still in place for a reason. Exercise locally and stretch your legs, not our resources.’



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