Pioneering trial under way between HM Coastguard and National Coastwatch

Volunteer watchkeepers will soon be able to keep a sharp lookout for anybody in need of help off the coast of Bembridge, Isle of Wight, thanks to a pioneering trial between HM Coastguard and the National Coastwatch (NCI).

NCI volunteers will from next month (April) man the lookout and share facilities with the coastguard rescue team at Bembridge coastguard station at Beachfield Road, Bembridge.

The trial, which is the first of its kind in the UK, will initially be run during the weekends and bank holidays from the beginning of April until the end of September 2022.

Top (NCI L-R): Dave Edser, Richard Dunkerley, Sheila Caws, Peter Chapman, Mike Batcheler, George Thorburn. Bottom (HM Coastguard L-R): Stuart Pettifer, Jeff Anderson, Kerry Daly-Lees, Andy Squibb, Vicky Anderson, Steve Biggs 


HM Coastguard is anticipating another busy summer and the coast of Bembridge, a popular base for fishing, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and rock pooling, is expected to be heavily frequented by locals and visitors alike in the warmer months.

Chris Enright, Divisional Commander for HM Coastguard said: “This is an exciting trial that could pave the way for similar set-ups across the UK.

“Although separate organisations, HM Coastguard and the NCI share a common goal – that of ensuring the safety of people at sea and at the coast.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work together on this trial, and we will be closely monitoring its success to see if this is something which could be continued, extended or rolled out to other suitable locations across the UK.”



Chris Aps, NCI Asset Development Trustee, said: “The response from HM Coastguard when I suggested the possibility that our two volunteer teams could work together from coastguard stations was incredibly positive and constructive”.

“It makes so much sense that trained NCI Watchkeepers man those coastguard station lookouts where there are active coastguard rescue teams.

“The NCI is thrilled by the promise this initiative brings and really looks forward to possible future collaborative ventures with HM Coastguard.”

Popular posts from this blog

A seriously scary walk in Wales

Image
One April day, Sally  lost her map, her hat and n early her life at L lansteffan .     An inno cent walk along the coast in Wales rapidly turned into something much more sinister for Sally and Clayton . One wrong step onto soft sand set off a chain of events that put Sally in a life-threatening situation . For Clayton , time stood still a s he could only watch the tide threatening to engulf Sally as they waited for their rescuers to arrive.   Fast response Thanks to the fast, life - sa ving decisions at the c oastguard operations centre at Milford Haven and a rapid response from the rescue teams , Sally and Clayton made it safely home after their ordeal last spring . But they both admit it was a shockingly close call and a n experience they never want to live through again.    They know they are incredibly lucky and are sharing their story to encourage anyone visit i ng the coast to always check the tide times , so a nice walk does not tu...
Read more

Coastguard scoops stricken man from surging waves

Image
Senior Coastal Operations Officer Ryan Gray A man facing the threat of being dashed on the rocks by powerful waves was rescued by a coastguard who hauled him o ut of the surging water.   The alarm was raised at about 9.45am at Skippingstone beach, Bangor, on 1 October when a member of the public reported their concern for a person they had spotted struggling on rocks being pounded by the s e a .   The 999 call was picked up at Belfast Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre which swiftly sent Bangor Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) and the local RNLI inshore lifeboat.   First on the scene was Senior Coastal Operations Officer Ryan Gray who, taking in the situation, quic k ly donned a personal float at ion device a ttached to a line.   As the sea surged, Ryan shouted a warning to the man before, seconds later , a wave picked the figure up and threw him to the shore.   The powerful surge carried him up the beach where Ryan was able to step forward and seiz...
Read more

Sunderland coastguards rescue cliff-stricken dog walker

Image
During a cold Winter's eve, Sunderland coastguards rushed to help a person stuck on cliffs while attempting to rescue their dog. "Being local, I knew the area well so when the call came in for a person stuck on cliffs at Marsden Grotto, I drove to the Coastguard Station wondering how it had happened,” said Deputy Station Officer Nick Robinson. During his eight-minute drive to the station, Nick considered how a casualty might have become stuck crag fast on the steep and unforgiving 80-foot cliff. Who are they with, what are they hanging onto, and how long would it hold?  His mind settled for a moment on his team's seven rope technicians trained for such dangerous circumstances, and the incoming tide that could quickly submerge an incapacitated casualty at the bottom of the cliff.  “On the way to the scene, we’re already thinking about planning a rescue; who’s going to do what and when. Cliff rescues are fast-paced, and there are dangers for our team. The situation changes m...
Read more