HM Coastguard

HM Coastguard is asking people planning to make the most of the last few days of the school holidays in England and Wales with a visit to coastline to keep safe, heed any warnings and take extra care around the cliffs. Cliffs can be very dangerous and prone to rock slides and falls at any time and the local Coastguards have a few easy to follow safety tips to share so people don’t put their lives and those of others at risk.  ‘The cliffs in our coastal area can be very dangerous. At Staithes in Yorkshire for example the cliffs are mudstone which means they slip very easily and any large rocks above that can weigh many hundreds of kilos have no support and can come crashing down with little or no notice,’ said Jolene Smith, Senior Maritime Operations Officer based at HM Coastguard’s Humber Operations Centre. ‘Very sadly a young girl lost her life last year when she was close to the cliffs at Staithes and we want to avoid that happening again here and anywhere else for...

HM Coastguard is warning children about the dangers of jumping off harbour walls, cliffs, bridges and other structures after a 12 year old boy was taken to hospital earlier this evening. The boy had been jumping off the wall into the water at Gourden Harbour, 10 miles north of Montrose with friends, when another child jumped onto him and he was knocked unconscious. The Montrose and Stonehaven RNLI lifeboats and coastguard rescue teams were sent to the scene and the Coastguard helicopter from Inverness was scrambled. The boy was quickly recovered from the water by a bystander and had regained consciousness by the time that the rescue resources arrived on scene. He was taken to hospital by land ambulance.   Gordon Barton for HM Coastguard says:   “Jumping off of harbour walls and other structures into water can be really dangerous. What might have been a deep pool can become a shallow puddle just a few hours later and you do not know what else is below th...

At around 4.30pm on Sunday 25 th August, HM Coastguard responded to calls reporting a serious collision between jet skis at Shoreham.  HM Coastguard sent Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Team and Shoreham RNLI lifeboat.  Two jet ski riders were recovered from the water and one male with injuries was transferred to hospital by air ambulance.  The Marine Accident Investigation Branch, (MAIB) has been informed.  For further details contact Sussex Police.

HM Coastguard has issued a plea for parents to keep a close eye on their children at the beach this weekend after responding to over a dozen calls for help to find missing children on Saturday.   So far there have been multiple reports of missing children from Norfolk on the East coast, right down to Selsey, Littlehampton, West Witterings and Bournemouth on the South coast.   Ian Guy, Duty Controller for HM Coastguard said:  ‘It’s always a huge worry when children go missing near the beach – not just for the parents but for our Coastguards as well.  There’s always a possibility that children may get into difficulties even in shallow water or injure themselves on slippery rocks.   ‘We are urging parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children at the beach and know where they are at all times. If you can, head for a life guarded beach and agree a recognisable meeting point that’s easy to find.  Show your child...

With amazing weather forecast for many parts of the UK this weekend, we're encouraging everyone planning a trip to the coast to follow our 'top 10 hot tips for safety' and take home only happy memories. 'Warm weather is forecast for much of the country this weekend and whatever the weather, the Bank Holiday is when many people quite rightly want to make the most of our wonderful coastline and beaches,' said Bev Allen, Maritime Operations Controller, HM Coastguard. Beaches, cliffs, rivers and the sea can be a dangerous places even when the weather is great. 'We respond to 999 calls round the clock, every day of the year and so many unhappy incidents could be avoided by taking some of the simple precautions outlined on our blog. This summer, in particular we've had lots of cases of children blown out to sea on inflatables and our clear message is keep inflatables for fun in the pool as they can be a big risk to life on the beach,' she added. OUR 1...

Baby Torran celebrated his taste for the high life by paying a first birthday visit to our search and rescue helicopter base in Newquay, Cornwall on 19 August. Torran who was born on a search and rescue helicopter on 18 Aug last year visited the base with big sister Fearne and proud parents Alicia and Sandy MacDonald to celebrate his first birthday with the people who helped welcome him into the world. He hit the headlines last year when he was born on board the Coastguard helicopter while it was flying over Penzance en-route to hospital on the mainland. Mum Alicia had gone into labour two weeks earlier than expected while officiating at a friend’s wedding on the Scilly Isles.   With no available midwife on the islands, HM Coastguard picked up midwife Linda Benson from Trelissick, and flew to the Scillies to collect the family and rush them by helicopter to the mainland. Mum Alicia said; ‘Torran obviously didn’t want to wait and he made his entrance to the world on board ...

Jenson and Ruben Powell don’t know that they’re record-setting twins. As they reach their first birthday, their mum and dad are happy to say they won’t let them grow up without reminding them as often as they can. They are the youngest surviving pre-term twin boys born in Britain, arriving at just 22 weeks and 6 days. Weighing in at just 535 and 590 grams, Jenson was given a 0% and Ruben a 20 -30% chance of making it beyond the first 48 hours. “It really is a story of hope and miracles,” their mum, Jennie Powell, says. “They defied every set of odds that they were given.” Picture: Ben Burchill/PA Wire Jennie and husband Rich were on holiday in Cornwall, in August 2018, taking a break at what was a critical stage in the pregnancy. Two years earlier, their son, Linnie, had lost his fight for survival (born at 23 + 4 weeks) as a result of complications related to the rarely-mentioned streptococcal B (Strep B) infection. “The twins’ pregnancy was being closely watched a...

HM Coastguard was called at 10:40 this morning after reports of a person wearing a jet pack was seen to enter the water at Kirkcaldy, Fife. The ‘person’ was seen to be hovering over the water and then disappeared. Stock image MCA The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick was sent along with coastguard rescue teams from Leven and Kinghorn and the Kinghorn RNLI lifeboat. When the coastguard rescues teams arrived, they soon discovered that a large promotional inflatable Iron Man had been lost. The lifeboat had searched the water and no one was found so the helicopter was stood down. A spokesperson from Aberdeen Coastguard Operations Centre said: ‘The person who called us did exactly the right thing, we would always ask people to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they believe anyone is in trouble at sea or along the coast. ‘Although this was a large promotional inflatable it does shows how easily inflatables can be swept out to sea. ...

A 14 year old boy has been safely rescued from a cliff fall at a remote coastal castle at Wick, near Caithness in Scotland, involving HM Coastguard and multiple other emergency services working together. The boy who was on holiday with his family from France was visiting the Sinclair-Girnigoe castle when he slipped and fell over a ledge, injuring himself and becoming trapped at the bottom of a difficult-to-access narrow gulley, just above the approaching rising tide.   HM Coastguard was contacted by Scottish Ambulance Service at about 5pm on 12 August asking for assistance. The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Sumburgh was sent and coastguard rescue teams soon arrived on the scene from nearby Wick, Scrabster, Duncansby and Melvich. The Wick RNLI lifeboat was sent and the multi-agency rescue also included Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service. “All the crews did a superb job and the safety, speed and efficiency of this rescue in a very challengi...

Andrew Brown, Matt Lees, Victoria White, CEO Brian Johnson, Mark Cunningham, Phill Brolan, Marc Reddy Four members of Southbourne Coastguard Rescue Team and their Senior Coastal Operations Officer (SCOO) have been presented with three awards for saving the life of a teammate who suffered a cardiac arrest while on an exercise on Avon Beach on 19 September 2018. During a typical water rescue exercise, carried out regularly by Coastguard Rescue Teams, the team were conducting a tethered swim when Matt Lees, who was in the water, suddenly lost consciousness. The exercise was taking place at around 8.00pm so it was dark, but the team were using torches and they instantly saw that something was wrong. They promptly responded and recovered him to shore upon which they confirmed he was not breathing. Despite the shock of seeing their teammate in this condition, the team immediately called on their skills and did exactly what they’ve been trained to do. An ambulance was call...

We're aware that there is a story going around on social media today claiming that a family made a claim against a Coastguard helicopter base for the loss of an inflatable following an incident. We'd like to point out we've never had a helicopter known as Coastguard 771 & we have no record of anyone contacting any of our bases to claim any money for an inflatable lost at sea.  We do however urge people not to use inflatable toys at the coast as they are not designed to be used in the sea and can actually be very dangerous to use them there.  We will always answer the 999 call when we are needed and we will always respond in a maritime emergency, without counting the cost. 

HM Coastguard coordinated a successful rescue operation for a 14 year old stuck in a gully at Sinclair Castle near Wick. HM Coastguard was contacted at 5pm this evening about a 14 year old male in difficulty and trapped in an inaccessible location with an incoming tide. Rescue units on scene this evening (Monday 12th August) included the Wick RNLI all weather lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Wick, Duncansby, Scrabster and Melvich along with the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Sumburgh and Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance service. The casualty was successfully recovered and transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by the Coastguard rescue helicopter.

HM Coastguard has coordinated the rescue of three people from the water after their vessel ran aground off Burghead. MCA Stock Image HM Coastguard was contacted just before 8 this evening (10 August) by a 30ft motor cruiser with 3 people on board, by VHF radio, saying that they had lost engine power and were heading to the shore in bad weather off Burghead. The people abandoned the vessel and sought safety in their life raft. Shortly after their motor cruiser ran aground. Burghead Coastguard Rescue Team, Moray Independent Rescue Boat, Buckie RNLI Lifeboat, an Offshore Industry Rescue Bond helicopter from Aberdeen and Scottish Ambulance Service were all sent. Burghead coastguard Rescue Team carried out a water rescue and all three people were brought safely to shore. The people are currently being checked over by the Ambulance Service.   Jonathan Mustard, HM Coastguard said: ‘The people were extremely lucky, fortunately they were all wearing life jac...

When it's blowing up a storm, keep safe. There’s wild and windy weather ahead. Don’t let your judgement be clouded when it comes to safety in and around our coastline. Bad weather has already resulted in rock falls in the West Country and the cliff edges get particularly unsafe after the kind of rain we’ve had in places in the UK over the past 24 hours. Ian Guy, duty maritime operations controller for HM Coastguard said: ‘We want everyone to have a good weekend at the coast and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t, despite the bad weather. The key to staying safe is preparation and following a few basic guidelines. In Cornwall, a rock fall has made part of the area at Whipsiderry Beach unsafe. If you come across a cordon anywhere near a beach, remember it’s there for a reason. Don’t ignore it.’   Strong winds and heavy rain are forecast for the next few days so we’ve put together our top tips for keeping safe when the weather takes a turn for the worse. It’s easy t...

7 August 2019 Two Coastguard Rescue Officers based at Hope Cove Coastguard Rescue Team have had their membership withdrawn. The appeal process is now complete and the CROs concerned have been notified of the decision. Safety is always our ultimate priority which is why we have a zero tolerance approach to any behaviour which creates unnecessary risk. Coastguard Rescue Teams were called to an incident on 20 June at Bolberry Downs, near Hope Cove, where a car had reportedly gone over the cliff. On arrival the vehicle was found to be empty and also fifty metres from the edge. There was no further risk to life or the vehicle. In these situations our safe systems of work dictate that we cordon off the area to prevent members of the public from jeopardising their safety or risking their lives. We would then task appropriate recovery resources. The two Coastguard Rescue Officers disregarded these protocols and attempted to carry out an unsafe recovery, using an untested rope ti...

Update: 6.25pm Sunday 4 August   Aith RNLI all weather lifeboat returned to the grounded vessel at around 11.20am today to keep a watch on the vessel as high tide approached in case it refloated. However, the vessel was reported to be hard aground.    The lifeboat has reported an oily sheen around the vessel and the immediate skerry, the precise source of the leak from the fishing vessel is unknown at the moment. Two tugs have also proceded to the scene, the TYSTIE contracted by the fishing vessel’s owners, which now on scene and the ETV, the IEVOLI BLACK which arrived around 6.00pm. The fishing vessel’s master and chief engineer were transferred back onboard late this afternoon to undertake an inspection of engines and propeller, and to see the extend of any other damage. During this inspection, the vessel took on a greater list to port and the personnel were recovered to their support vessel, they have now returned to Scallo...

HM Coastguard received a DSC distress call and an Inmarsat distress alert from a vessel at around 1.30am this morning (4 August). Shetland Coastguard also picked up radio communications from the vessel reporting that it had run aground on rocks at Vee Skerries, near Pappa Stour, and coordinated a search and rescue response. The 30 metre fishing vessel, Coelleira had 15 crew onboard who were reported to have no injuries and were wearing life jackets. The vessel did not appear to be taking on any water.   HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Sumburgh, RNLI Aith all weather lifeboat, Sumburgh and Lerwick Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to the scene.   The Coastguard helicopter winched all 15 crewmembers off the vessel and transferred them to Clickimin emergency landing site, where they were met by the Coastguard Rescue teams. Police Scotland and Fisherman’s Mission also attended the scene to provide assistance to the crewmembers.   ...

MCA staff and coastguards will be taking to the streets to join dazzling celebrations for today’s Brighton Pride Parade (Saturday 3 August). The MCA team will be joining their emergency services family and the festival goers in the parade with a HM Coastguard vehicle, which has undergone a rainbow makeover for the occasion, carried out for free by Babcock International. The parade starts at 11:00 am from Hove Lawns and we’ll be proudly showing off the rainbow livery to the crowds as a symbol of our support. Chris Thomas, Deputy Director HM Coastguard , said:   ‘Pride is about supporting our LGBTQ colleagues and being able to visibly put out the message that the MCA is a place where you really can bring your whole-self to work. ‘But as well as the serious message it’s a lot of fun, last year over 300,000 people lined the route of the Brighton parade and HMCG led the emergency services section – the response we had was fantastic! ‘Our teams have kicked off ...

People with disabilities aren’t always getting the help they need on board ferries and cruise ships – and they may not always  realise  they’re entitled to it.   Now the Maritime & Coastguard Agency is carrying out a survey to find out just what people’s experiences have been, so they can work with owners and operators to improve the service.   An initial pilot survey showed that only half of disabled people using ferries felt they were getting the assistance they needed, while on cruise ships they felt they were better looked after, with 70 per cent saying they were happy with how they’d been treated.   Unsurprisingly, it’s those with disabilities that can’t be seen quite so well that feel worse off.   Now a second bigger survey is being carried out to try and get a wider picture and people with disabilities are being urged to take that survey.   Danny Light, passenger rights enforcement officer for the MCA said it showed th...

HM Coastguard is currently coordinating the response after a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) alert was received from a yacht 88nm miles east of Amble. Although there is no VHF range, a nearby ship has been relaying information between HM Coastguard and the people on board the yacht. The distance means that the HM Coastguard helicopter from Humberside has been sent as one of those on board has been injured and needs to be taken to hospital. Amble RNLI lifeboat is making its way to the scene to help escort the yacht back in to the shore. Jolene Smith from HM Coastguard said: ‘The people on the yacht have done exactly the right thing by triggering the DSC alert which was picked up by the nearby vessel who relayed it to us. Because it’s such a distance away, the vessel has acted as a go between, relaying important information to us and allowing us to communicate with the yacht. The nature of the injury means that the person hurt needs to be taken to hospital as soon as possible which ...