Dispose of your Emergency Beacons Properly

Aberdeen Coastguard have been coordinating a Search today, following a report received of an Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) distress alert.

Fraserburgh lifeboat was on scene along with a Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter from Inverness and a number of commercial vessels in the area.

However after 4 hours of searching and further investigations by Aberdeen Coastguard the (EPIRB) was tracked back to the vessel it originated from. Upon further investigation Aberdeen Coastguard discovered that the beacon had been accidentally thrown overboard, with no emergency situation occuring.

Ross Greenhill, Coastal Operations Area Commander, said “Her Majesty’s Coastguard would like to urge all seafarers to dispose of their emergency beacons and flares in a safe and responsible manner, either return to the manufacturer or follow the instructions given on receipt of the device.


For further advice on the correct disposal of this type of emergency equipment you can also email infoline@mcga.gov.uk

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