MAN AND DAUGHTER LOST IN FOG GUIDED TO SAFETY BY FALMOUTH COASTGUARD
A man and his five-year-old daughter
have been safely guided back to shore after becoming lost in their boat in thick
fog off Padstow.
Falmouth Coastguard received a 999
call just before 6.20pm this evening from the man who said he’d lost track of
where he was. He had to call the Coastguard on his mobile phone as his VHF radio
on board wasn’t working.
Falmouth Coastguard talked the man
through his recent passage, taking in time and direction, before piecing
together where the boat was likely to be. Once a location had been determined,
a
Pan Pan alert was broadcast to see if any other boats in the area could help. A
nearby fishing vessel responded and managed to locate the man and his daughter
approximately 4 miles off shore. They were then guided back to Padstow, where
they were met by the Padstow Coastguard Rescue Team.
Simon Dennis, Watch Officer at
Falmouth Coastguard, said:
"It was lucky that this man managed
to get in touch with us so we could help track down his whereabouts and send
rescue resources to help. With his VHF radio out of order, he had to rely on his
mobile phone to raise the alarm. He also didn’t have any lifejackets on board.
"We always urge people to check the
weather before they set off, just in case they get caught out in fog like this
evening. You also need make sure all your communications equipment on board is
working so you can call for help if needed. We also want to take this
opportunity to remind people to wear a lifejacket. It’s useless unless worn, and
could save your life.”
Watch HM Coastguard demonstrate how
to put on a lifejacket: