Coastguard appealing to Mariners in Peterhead to check their EPIRBs after multiple distress alerts received

UK Coastguard is currently investigating a series of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) alerts which are being triggered in Peterhead, Scotland. Following extensive Search and Rescue operations to locate the device and its owner, UK Coastguard are now appealing for the owner of the EPIRB, a Standard Communications PTY Ltd, Model: MT401FF to come forward and let the Coastguard know they are safe and well.

Multiple alerts have been sent by this EPIRB as far back as 6 June up to this morning 29 September.  The alerts are being picked up by satellite with a position in the Peterhead area.

Kaimes Beasley, Duty Controller for UK Coastguard said:  ‘We believe the EPIRB is being triggered accidentally – maybe knocking against something on a boat which is switching it on and off again.  We are appealing to everyone in the Peterhead area who has an EPIRB to check their device and get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can resolve the matter.  There is also a possibility that the EPIRB is faulty which is why it is sending the alerts.  We need to rule out all possibilities, because at the moment we are responding to all the alerts we are receiving which means sending assets on scene to search the area.  Unfortunately, this particular EPIRB hasn’t been registered so we have no contact details of the owner or vessel.  Please call 999 and talk to the Coastguard if you think it might be yours.’

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