HM Coastguard

During a cold Winter's eve, Sunderland coastguards rushed to help a person stuck on cliffs while attempting to rescue their dog. "Being local, I knew the area well so when the call came in for a person stuck on cliffs at Marsden Grotto, I drove to the Coastguard Station wondering how it had happened,” said Deputy Station Officer Nick Robinson. During his eight-minute drive to the station, Nick considered how a casualty might have become stuck crag fast on the steep and unforgiving 80-foot cliff. Who are they with, what are they hanging onto, and how long would it hold?  His mind settled for a moment on his team's seven rope technicians trained for such dangerous circumstances, and the incoming tide that could quickly submerge an incapacitated casualty at the bottom of the cliff.  “On the way to the scene, we’re already thinking about planning a rescue; who’s going to do what and when. Cliff rescues are fast-paced, and there are dangers for our team. The situation changes m...

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! For lots of people, an alarm going off on Christmas Day means a festive roast is ready to eat. But for those on duty for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on 25 December, it could be a report of someone in trouble at the coast, a pollution incident or a vessel that needs urgent attention.  The MCA is on watch to keep people safe at sea and by the coast around the clock, every day.   Emergency at the coast? Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Meet the people ready to respond at Christmas.  Max Hawkins, Team Leader, Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)   Max Hawkins I’ll be working with my team from 6.30pm on Christmas Day, taking emergency calls and coordinating the response to incidents. The day shift will go home to see their families and we will pick up, just like any other day.   I have a very understanding other-half; she knows it comes with the job.  But for those with families it can be difficult ...

From dramatic search and rescue incidents to training exercises, from important safety events to milestone achievements, here are just some of the key moments and highlights from HM Coastguard as we look back over the last 12 months.  JANUARY The year started with the familiar coastguard uniform spotted on  SOS Extreme Rescues . The dramatic documentary series is based in the stunning and wild landscape of Eryri, more commonly known as Snowdonia, capturing emergency services response to dangerous call outs and those in urgent need. Look out for HM Coastguard in new Snowdonia rescue series The National Water Safety Forum, of which HM Coastguard is a member, launched a powerful film about the dangers of open water. The film centres around Robbie Jones, telling the story of losing his dad to the sea in January 2021.  Safety advocate Robbie shares story of losing his father to the sea    FEBRUARY Coastguard Rescue Teams in the Western Isles were celebrated by Police...