Always be prepared before you set out to sea
This afternoon Humber
Coastguard Operations Centre have been busy locating three
separate angling vessels from within the Humber estuary, all of whom
were lost in the fog. All vessels were safely returned to shore with the
assistance of Humber and Cleethorpes Lifeboats alongside Cleethorpes and
Donna Nook Coastguard Rescue Teams.
Senior Maritime
Operations Officer Steve Cox from the UK Coastguard said,
'We highly recommend
anyone going out to sea should invest in the correct communications equipment
including a fixed DSC VHF radio, a back-up VHF radio and ideally some sort
of distress beacon.
Weather conditions
can change in an instant, always check the weather and tidal conditions before
you set out so that you can prepare accordingly.
If fog is forecast,
poor visibility could obscure your safe return to the shore. Carry a compass,
chart and GPS in case the visibility deteriorates. Aerosol fog horns are
also available and might be useful if others are nearby or are looking for
you.
To help us in
locating you, should you get into difficulty, consider joining the MCA’s
voluntary CG66 safety identification scheme. Always tell someone
where you are going and when you expect to return and remember to update them
if your plans change.'