UK Coastguard and MRCC Corsen assist vessel in the English Channel after receiving distress alerts

Just before 4pm yesterday (26 September) UK Coastguard received multiple VHF DSC Distress alerts from a French vessel, positioned approximately 50nm South South East of the Isles of Scilly.

The vessel had transmitted distress alerts in French waters earlier in the day and no communications could be established.  UK Coastguard immediately sent out a Mayday relay broadcast asking vessels in the area for assistance and also made contact with MRCC Corsen to inform them of the incident.  St Mary’s RNLI all weather lifeboat and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Newquay were sent assist, along with a French fixed wing aircraft.  The vessel, with two people on board, was located on route to Plymouth and found to have suffered engine failure which had subsequently been repaired. UK Coastguard monitored their onward passage via telephone, with the Lizard RNLI all weather lifeboat assisting them into Falmouth later in the evening. 

Ross Parkinson, Senior Maritime Operations Officer for UK Coastguard said:  ‘This was quite a lengthy incident that involved both the UK Coastguard and MRCC Corsen. Thankfully, the vessel was located quickly by the air assets on scene and the two people on board were found to be safe and well.

‘Having the correct communication equipment on board is essential for any type of trip to sea, but just as important is having the knowledge and ability to use it.  Remember to always carry at least two independent means of alerting the Coastguard if you get into difficulty.  If you’re heading out to sea we would always recommend that you carry a  fixed VHF unit with DSC and ideally an EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon.  This is in addition having a fully charged mobile phone, flares, a powerful torch, and appropriate personal flotation devices such as a lifejackets or buoyancy aides. 

‘If you get into difficulty use Channel 16 to alert the Coastguard to your position.  When you make an emergency call to the coastguard from VHF radio you will tell everyone within range what your situation is even if you cannot see them – there might be someone nearby who can help you more quickly than we can get help to you.  We can never get time back – speed is of the utmost importance.  Don’t wait for things to improve.  You need to inform us as soon as a potentially difficult situation is developing  – once things start to go wrong, they develop rapidly. 

‘And on a final note, make sure you have a plan on board for ‘what if?’  and make sure everyone on board knows their part within the plan.’ 

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