HM Coastguard

The search for a missing swimmer thought to be attempting an unaccompanied swim to Calais from Dover has been called off after he was found by a passing vessel. At around 12.10pm today (August 31) HM Coastguard received a call from a member of the public with information that their friend was swimming unaccompanied to Calais from Dover. Coastguard rescue teams from Deal and Langdon, RNLI lifeboats from Dover and Dungness and coastguard search and rescue helicopters from Lydd and Lee-on-Solent were sent. Vessels in the area were asked to keep a sharp lookout and Kent Police, Dover Port Police and Dover Port were informed. The swimmer was spotted shortly before 8pm by a passing  vessel only 500 metres off Dover and was taken onboard the RNLI Dungeness lifeboat, cold and tired but otherwise well. He has been brought to shore and will be checked over by South East Ambulance Service.

Almost 13,000 people have needed the help of HM Coastguard since the beginning of this summer – this weekend, don’t become another statistic. As the UK looks set for a mix of weather this coming Bank Holiday weekend, coastguards are warning people to follow the safety advice and not to take any risks at the coast or in the sea. It has been HM Coastguard’s busiest-ever summer on record, with the emergency service dealing with 12,752 incidents since the start of June up until 26 August. This has involved call-outs for Coastguard Rescue Teams, search and rescue responses with aircraft, RNLI and independent lifeboats and hovercrafts, as well as work to support emergency service partners. This summer’s overall incident count is an increase of 16% when compared to the corresponding period last summer (10,884 incidents between 1 June and 26 August 2019). This August alone, the coastguard has responded to nearly 5,000 incidents at the coast – a rise of about 1,000 when compared to August 2019 ...

UPDATE: 5.45pm BST The search has been suspended this evening pending further information and assets have been stood down. HM Coastguard is still asking for any more information that might assist us in locating the source of this call. We would like to thank those vessels that responded quickly and assisted in this incident. --- HM Coastguard is appealing for information about a vessel which could be in trouble off Flamborough on the Yorkshire coast. We have had reports that a vessel, believed to be called Imogen, put out a Mayday call saying they were taking on water around 13.5 miles south east of Flamborough. An extensive search is being carried out involving a Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Humberside, two RNLI lifeboats from Bridlington, an independent lifeboat from Hornsea Rescue, Coastguard rescue teams from Bridlington and Hornsea and several nearby commercial vessels. If you have any information about the vessel, please contact Humber Coastguard Operations...

A volunteer from the Hull Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) has been recognised for his performance and dedication and named as coastguard of the year 2019.   Alan Stewart has been with the team for 8 years and works as the station officer supporting the Hull CRT. He was presented his award by the Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Brian Johnson.    2019 was the busiest year to date for the Hull team who attended 240 callouts. The Hull CRT was relatively inexperienced in service with 8 out of 11 members of the team having only been on call since December 2018. Alan, along with the other 2 existing volunteers on the team committed many hours assisting the new entrants to practice and develop their skills, supporting and supervising them at incidents and helping them to develop into confident and competent coastguard rescue officers. Senior Coastal Operations Officer Fran Wilkins said: “To lead a newly formed team through such a busy year is an ach...

 HM Coastguard's specialist rope rescue teams were called in just before 9am on Friday (21 August) to help the Scottish Ambulance and the Fire and Rescue service at a remote location in Scotland where a man had fallen around 30ft down a steep, difficult-to-access gorge and onto the riverbed below. Coastguard Rescue Teams with specialist expertise in rope rescues were sent from Burghead, Inverness and Nairn, together with a Senior Coastal Operations Officer to the scene on the river Findhorn. And they played an important role in a challenging multi-agency rescue. One of the Coastguard Rescue helicopters from Inverness was also dispatched with a winchman paramedic on board and emergency services partners from Scottish Ambulance and Scottish Fire and Rescue were at the scene.   Until the early afternoon, the teams worked closely together in the difficult circumstances and isolated location to find the safest and most efficient means of getting the man to safety.  The added p...

  The Maritime and Coastguard Agency will be looking to build on the recent successful 22 day data collection mission of a remotely operated vessel.   The journey, during which the SEA-KIT unmanned vessel Maxlimer surveyed previously uncharted territory, is a sign of great progress in the field of autonomous shipping.   The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, through the MARLab project and as part of the wider work of the Maritime Future Technologies team is working on a long-term plan looking at how autonomous ships can be best regulated.   Dr Katrina Kemp, Smart Ships & Automation Policy Officer for the MCA said: “This was a really exciting journey, and a great opportunity for us to  support a company at the forefront of new developments and pushing boundaries for remotely operated vessels. “We believe that autonomous shipping will play a important role in the future of maritime in terms of reducing carbon emissions by using less fuel and allowi...

The South West coast is set for a bit of a battering over the next couple of days, with dangerous sea conditions involving large swells, strong winds and spring tides expected. Along with the RNLI, we’re urging people to take extra care tomorrow and on Saturday. Wave heights across exposed coastal areas in Devon and Cornwall could reach up to 9 feet which, coupled with predicted strong westerly winds and large spring tides, could increase the risk of strong rip currents. Avoid heading to the coast in affected areas but if you do go out remember: Check tide times before you set off Choose a lifeguarded beach Carry a fully-charged mobile phone If you get caught in a rip current swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for the shore. Raise your hand and shout for help If you see anyone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

Kevin Paterson is station officer for Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team. He changed from a career as a news photographer to working full time for the emergency services. His photography skills can still be seen on his team’s Facebook page and often on the main HM Coastguard and Maritime and Coastguard Agency social media. And he’s the brain behind the Coastguardteam, the world’s smallest search and rescue rescue team. Kevin Paterson © author On World Photography Day, he’s been talking about how to take a good picture while staying safe at the coast. ‘Go back ten years and I could happily wax lyrical about camera settings, depth of field, exposures and F-stops, but these days it doesn’t really matter as much as the majority of people taking photos when visiting the coast aren’t carrying thousands of pounds worth of digital camera, a collection of lenses and numerous accessories in a camera bag. For most people their camera and their preferred piece of technology acting as the viewfinder ...

HM Coastguard was contacted by a family member who was concerned that a fishing vessel, with two crew on board, may be overdue just after 2pm this afternoon (16th August) The vessel, which had been fishing for prawns, was found 18 miles off the North East coast and contact was made with the crew. Bev Allen, Controller HMCG Whilst on their VHF radio the crew explained how they had hauled up a large boulder onto the deck after bringing their nets in. Shortly after all contact with the vessel was lost and their emergency position indicator radio beacon (EPIRB) was activated. Humber Coastguard Operations Centre quickly tasked Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat and the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter to the vessel’s location. Thankfully the two crew, who were wearing lifejackets, had managed to get into a life raft after the vessel capsized and sank. The crew were taken onboard Tynemouth lifeboat and brought to shore. Bev Allen, Duty Controller for HM Coastguard said; The two crew we...

The search for two teenage brothers last seen in the water at Lytham St Annes has been suspended. HM Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public, just before 18:40 yesterday evening (15 th August), saying that three teenagers were in difficulty in the water near to St Anne’s Pier, after being cut off by the tide. A 15-year-old was able to swim to shore and was passed into the care of the ambulance service. Coastguard rescue teams from Lytham and Fleetwood, the coastguard helicopter from Caernarfon, a police helicopter, RNLI lifeboats from Lytham St Annes and Blackpool, Southport independent lifeboat and Lancashire Police all assisted in the search for the 16 and 18 year olds who were last seen in the water. Danny Jamson, Area Commander, for HM Coastguard said: ‘Following a comprehensive search effort made by all, sadly the brothers have not been found and a decision has been taken to suspend the search. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those invol...

H M Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public, just before 18:40 yesterday evening (15th August) saying that three people were in difficulty in the water near to St Anne’s  Pier, Lancashire. One person made it to shore and was checked over by paramedics. A search is ongoing for the other two people. Coastguard rescue teams from Lytham and Fleetwood, the coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Caernarfo n, RNLI lifeboats from Lytham St Annes and Blackpool, Southport independent  lifeboat, Lancashire Police and North West Ambulance Service were all sent. The search was suspended briefly in the early hours and continued at first light. The coastguard helicopter is no longer on scene and a police helicopter has joined the search.   We have no further informa tion at this time.

  Forty years saving lives and volunteering as a coastguard and still enjoying every minute. Steve Wood is the station officer for Cleethorpes Coastguard Rescue Team and was due to be awarded his 40-year service medal clasp in April. The celebration of his milestone achievement was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic but after a short wait he was presented with the clasp on August 12 by Brian Johnson, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Pete Mizen, Chief Coastguard. When asked about his achievement Steve said: “The secret to a long career volunteering as a coastguard is supportive family and friends who understand my passion and a great team around you. It’s a cliché but it really is a team effort.” In his 40 years Steve estimates that he has taken par t in between 2500 and 3000 rescues.   Last year was the busiest year he had experienced with the team who were called upon 165 times. This year is set to be even busier with HM Coastguard...

HM Coastguard dealt with 340 individual incidents across the whole of the UK on Saturday (8th August) – our highest amount of call-outs in a single day for well over four years. Packed coastlines and beaches kept us very busy throughout another hot heatwave day, which saw Coastguard Rescue Teams attend 221 incidents. Both the RNLI and independent lifeboats were called out on 155 occasions combined and aircraft (30 taskings) were also used to assist at the coast and sea. HM Coastguard responded to 186 999 calls yesterday and coordinated search and rescue responses to a wide-range of incidents, which included people being cut off by the tide and children swept out to sea on inflatables. In total, the service rescued 146 people and assisted a further 371 people. Saturday’s incident count (340) represents a significant 145% increase when compared to the average amount of call-outs we recorded throughout August 2019. The count also surpasses our previous (and recent) busiest day over the pa...

Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to enjoy our beautiful coastline while improving your fitness levels.   But it’s not without risk and we’re seeing a rise in the number of incidents involving people getting into trouble.   Make sure your paddleboarding experience is one you’ll remember for all the right reasons by taking some simple steps to stay safe:   Always use a paddleboard with a leash Wear a personal flotation device and make sure you can move easily while wearing it One paddleboard per person! Don’t be tempted to share a board, particularly with children Take your mobile in a waterproof case. We’re always at the end of the phone ready to help if you run into trouble 📞 #999Coastguard 👭 Paddleboarding with a friend is more fun and they can help if you’re struggling. If you are going alone, tell someone where you’ll be and when you expect to return Check the weather forecast and tide times before you ...

HM Coastguard has suspended the search for a missing jet skier following the discovery of a jet ski in the Solent pending further information. Despite a through and comprehensive search by RNLI lifeboats from Bembridge , Yarmouth and Calshot, independent lifeboats from Gosport and Ryde, the search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent, HM Coastguard’s fixed wing aircraft , Coastguard Rescue Teams from Hillhead, Hayling Island, Ventnor and Bembridge and the Hampshire Police Marine Unit, nothing has been found. The search which began at 7.28pm yesterday (August 4) and continued overnight and throughout today, has now been suspended, pending further information. Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this very difficult time. 

HM Coastguard is continuing to appeal for information about the owner of a white and burgundy jetski which was found adrift in the eastern Solent early yesterday evening (August 4).   The jetski (pictured) is a Yamaha Waverunner and was last seen off the coast of Lymington heading across the Solent towards Langstone Harbour. The coastguard would particularly like to hear from anyone who saw a single jet ski on the water with one person on board between around 6pm and 8pm yesterday (August 4), specifically in the vicinity of Cowes, Ryde Middle, Lee-on-the-Solent or Stokes Bay. The jet skier is believed to have been wearing a camouflage jacket.  Gosport independent lifeboat, Ryde Independent Rescue, Bembridge RNLI lifeboat, a Coastguard helicopter, the Hillhead, Ventnor and Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Teams and Calshot RNLI Lifeboat are searching the scene.  Anyone with information please contact Solent Coastguard on 02392 552 100 quoting incident number 022681...

The HM Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter base at Prestwick, on Scotland’s west coast near Glasgow, has surpassed a major milestone after responding to 1,500 calls for support since 2016. Prestwick chalked-up its 1,500th task when a child was spotted adrift in a dinghy off the Ayrshire coast and required assistance. Captain Mark Randall, Captain Roger Stringer, winch operator Dylan Burns and winchman/paramedic Darren Jones were the on-duty crew. Other notable events since go-live in 2016 include the rescue of a 22-year-old male surfer found 13 miles off the coast of Campbeltown in 2017. High winds swept Matthew Bryce out to sea where he clung to his board for a staggering 32 hours before the crew at Prestwick winched him to safety. In October 2019, a woman fell 100m down a ravine while mountain climbing near Oban. Her 10-year-old son scrambled to her side, using her phone to raise the alarm. The Prestwick helicopter crew worked with Oban Mountain Rescue Team to winch the ...

The HM Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter crew at Lydd, Kent have marked a major milestone after completing their 1,000th tasking since beginning lifesaving operations in 2015. Captain Andy Pilliner, co-pilot Stijn Roovers and winch paramedic Shawn Clark undertook the 1,000 th tasking, when the Children’s Acute Transport Service called for support just after midnight on Friday, July 24. The Lydd crew flew to London to urgently airlift medical staff from Regent’s Park Healthcare to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Norfolk, where an infant required specialist care. The helicopter crew then transferred the medical team and child back to central London, where the infant was safely taken to Great Ormond Street Hospital for further treatment. The milestone came as HM Coastguard’s UK Search and Rescue helicopter service, operated by Bristow Helicopters, celebrated its fifth anniversary. Bristow was awarded the 10-year contract by the Department for Transport in March 2013. Other no...

UPDATE SUNDAY 10.30PM At nightfall, Sunday 2nd August, HM Coastguard suspended the search for a missing kayaker off Hove and Shoreham pending further information. An intensive eight hour search of the area took place on Sunday 2nd August.   See previous article for details of the search  http://hmcoastguard.blogspot.com/2020/08/search-for-missing-kayaker-at-brighton.html HM Coastguard Safety advice for Sea Kayaking/ Sea canoeing: Ensure that someone at home knows your passage plan including points of arrival and departure, timescale, number in group and other relevant information. Check weather forecasts and tidal conditions and ensure that your skill levels are appropriate for where you are kayaking. Wear a buoyancy aid and check that equipment is functioning properly, that your distress flares are in date and are stowed where you can reach them. Carriage of a 406 Personal Locator Beacon is highly recommended for more remote locations. Carry a VHF marine band radio (fitt...

Holyhead Coastguard Operations Centre has been dealing with multiple search and rescue incidents on the Welsh Coast today.    At 1.31pm HM Coastguard received a 999 call reporting people in the water off Barmouth and sent Barmouth Coastguard Rescue Team, Barmouth RNLI lifeboat and HM Coastguard's fixed wing aircraft. Barmouth Harbour Master and the Coastguard rescue helicopter and Helimed also attended. A male casualty was recovered from the water and transferred to hospital in a serious condition.  A second incident at Hells Mouth involved three people in the water and Abersoch Coastguard Rescue Team and Abersoch RNLI lifeboat attended to give medical care on scene to the casualties who were suffering with suspected hypothermia. At 2.45pm HM Coastguard was alerted to another incident with a report of three people in the water at Aberdovy.  Aberdovy Coastguard Rescue Team and Aberdovy RNLI lifeboat attended and an adult male was recovered from the water, given medica...

UPDATE: HM Coastguard has now received the information required and confirmed the identity of the kayaker, who remains missing and the search is ongoing. Search for missing kayaker off Brighton - appeal for information. At 10.10am today (Sunday) HM Coastguard received a report of a person seen going into the water from a kayak/canoe off Hove Lagoon near Brighton. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Newhaven and Shoreham joined the search as well as the Brighton RNLI lifeboat and a Coastguard Rescue helicopter. A kayak and paddle were found ashore in the area and a picture is attached. HM Coastguard Safety advice for Sea Kayaking/ Sea canoeing: Ensure that someone at home knows your passage plan including points of arrival and departure, timescale, number in group and other relevant information. Check weather forecasts and tidal conditions and ensure that your skill levels are appropriate for where you are kayaking. Wear a buoyancy aid and check that equipment is functioning properly, that ...

At 1pm on Saturday 1st August, Belfast Coastguard received a 999 call from a Coasteering group at Dunseverick, reporting a female casualty had had been injured while jumping into the water.   HM Coastguard sent Ballycastle and Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Coastguard rescue helicopter from Prestwick, the RNLI inshore lifeboat from Portrush and an air ambulance and land ambulance also attended.  Coastguard rescue officers worked with crew from the RNLI lifeboat recovered the casualty from the water and she was transferred to hospital by the Coastguard rescue helicopter.  

  All seven members of the crew of a fishing vessel which sank three miles off Kinlochbervie earlier today have been safely rescued.  The report came into HM Coastguard just after 2.30pm, and the HM Coastguard helicopter from Stornoway was sent along with the RNLI lifeboat from Lochinver as well as Kinlochbervie and Durness Coastguard Rescue Teams.   Although the boat sank, all seven were wearing lifejackets and a ll crew were taken back to Kinlochbervie Harbour thanks to a local vessel who responded swiftly to the Mayday transmission.   Three were thought to be suffering from the effects of hypothermia, and were subsequently taken to hospital in Inverness by HM Coastguard’s helicopter.  The other four were treated for the effects of cold.  Scott Mackenzie from HM Coastguard said: “There is no doubt that the fact these crew members were wearing lifejackets went a considerable way to helping save their lives.” 

HM Coastguard has been coordinating the multi-agency response, which included the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre, following a glider crash earlier today (1 August) at Rhossili. The incident was reported just after 1.15pm when the glider is believed to have come down on the cliff side. There was one person on board. Oxwich and Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent, along with the HM Coastguard helicopter from St Athan, South Wales Police, Helimed, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. The pilot is being airlifted to Morriston Hospital in Swansea by the HM Coastguard helicopter for onward medical care. We have no further information.

HM Coastguard is coordinating a multi-agency response following reports of a person in the water near Porthcurno. The incident was first reported around 12.40pm today (1 August). Lands End and Penzance Coastguard Rescue Teams, with both Sennen Cove RNLI lifeboats and Porthcurno Lifeguards, HM Coastguard helicopter from Newquay, South Western Ambulance Service including Helimed and Devon and Cornwall Police responded. The person has been recovered from the water and transported to Porthcurno Beach for onward medical care. We have no further information.

HM Coastguard dealt with more than 300 incidents yesterday – the most in one day for more than four years. The total number of incidents for the whole of the UK were 329, with 232 callouts for coastguard rescue teams. Lifeboats – both RNLI and independent were called out 129 times, aircraft were sent out 22 times and hovercraft, three. There was a high number of incidents involving people cut off by the tide and reports of missing children, as well as swimmers and paddleboarders getting into difficulty. Call outs were heaviest in England, along the east and south coast and the north west. The area around Liverpool and the Wirral saw the most reported incidents at 26. The coast along Essex and Kent saw a total of 45 incidents and the coastline between Flamborough and Cromer, 22. Julie-Anne Wood, Duty Operations Director for HM Coastguard said: ‘Yesterday was a beautiful day weather wise in much of the UK. It was less beautiful a day for those who got themselves into trouble and had to b...