HM Coastguard wrapped: stand out moments from 2024

From dramatic search and rescue incidents to training exercises, from important safety events to milestone achievements, here are just some of the key moments and highlights from HM Coastguard as we look back over the last 12 months. 

JANUARY

  • The year started with the familiar coastguard uniform spotted on SOS Extreme Rescues. The dramatic documentary series is based in the stunning and wild landscape of Eryri, more commonly known as Snowdonia, capturing emergency services response to dangerous call outs and those in urgent need.

Look out for HM Coastguard in new Snowdonia rescue series

  • The National Water Safety Forum, of which HM Coastguard is a member, launched a powerful film about the dangers of open water. The film centres around Robbie Jones, telling the story of losing his dad to the sea in January 2021. 

Safety advocate Robbie shares story of losing his father to the sea

  

FEBRUARY

  • Coastguard Rescue Teams in the Western Isles were celebrated by Police Scotland with a Bravery and Conduct Award, for their “brave, decisive and courageous actions” within the community.

Coastguard teams recognised with bravery and conduct award

  • HM Coastguard joined forces with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for mud rescue training – helping equip local firefighters with the skills and resources they need to, like coastguards, be able to travel up to 400 metres away from solid ground.

‘Huge step forward’ for multi-agency mud rescues

HM Coastguard and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service mud rescue training

 

MARCH

  • With Easter holidays around the corner HM Coastguard reminded walkers to stick to coastal paths and follow safety signage, after two dog walkers ended up stuck in mud on the Isle of Wight. 

Stay safe this Easter - Coastguard deals with two mud rescues in same spot

  • To mark International Women’s Day we spoke to the Deputy to the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP), who highlighted the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

‘Times have changed’ - Inspiring a generation for both men and women

Deputy SOSREP Lisa McAuliffe and SOSREP Stephan Hennig

 

APRIL 

  • Birling Gap, Eastbourne and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Teams were awarded the Department for Transport Rescue Shield at a special ceremony, for their outstanding dedication and courage responding to multiple and particularly challenging emergencies on steep and dangerous cliffs.

HM Coastguard teams hailed with Department for Transport Rescue Shield

  • The hit Channel 5 documentary Coastguard: Search and Rescue SOS returned for another eagerly anticipated run - sharing the real-life stories of people who work for the MCA and the public who found themselves in danger by the coast and at sea.  

Maritime and Coastguard Agency documentary ready to return to TV screens

Stephanie George, Team Leader at Holyhead Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre - Promotion of Coastguard: Search and Rescue SOS

 

MAY

  • Coastguard rescue officers who played their part in saving two young people swept into a cave on the Cornish coast were presented with an official thank you to mark the one-year anniversary of the extraordinary operation.

Sea cave rescuers honoured on anniversary of ‘inspirational’ operation

  • From successful rescue missions to working with their “second family”, members of HM Coastguard, from all over the UK, celebrated their roles and experiences within the maritime industry as part of International Day for Women in Maritime.

Celebrating importance and impact of women in HM Coastguard

 Female Coastguard Rescue Officers from across the UK, taking part in training and call outs

 

JUNE

  • A fisher rescued as part of a coastguard response shared his experience to encourage fishers to be prepared and safe at sea, and know what to do in an emergency.

Fisher rescued from water shares key safety tips

  

 

JULY

  • The ‘Meet Your Coastguard’ series was relaunched, introducing Coastguard Rescue Officers from all across our wonderful coastline. Teams featured (so far!) include Fleetwood, Littlehampton, Seaham, Arnside, Southend-on-Sea, Barry, Port Talbot, Hornsea and Kilkeel. Coastguards have been telling us all about their highlights and challenges during their time with the service.

Meet your Coastguards: Fleetwood Coastguard Rescue Team

  • HM Coastguard launched its latest ‘Coast Clever’ summer safety campaign to remind people how to stay safe and avoid the dangers and hazards at the coast. This year’s campaign included a new film with singer and comedian Arthur Hill, who found out that it’s not funny to get cut off by the tide or caught out on cliffs. 

HM Coastguard launches new ‘Coast Clever’ summer safety campaign

  

 

AUGUST

  • The busiest time of year for HM Coastguard is the summer, with teams called to a vast range of dangerous incidents both in and out of the water. Members of Coastguard Rescue Teams in Newquay and Falmouth shared their top safety tips following an exceptionally busy weekend.

Everyone’s got an adventurous spirit… for many, it’s why they visit the Cornish coast…”

  • HM Coastguard responded to a collapsed yacht in the middle of the night leaving three people adrift. They were found with the help of lifesaving safety equipment onboard.

Locator beacons bring rescue to crew of dismasted yacht drifting in the dark

Mike Hallgarth on his yacht, Glad Eye Moody, before it collapsed

 

SEPTEMBER

  • It was a race against time for Coastguard Rescue Officers stabilising a stricken kitesurfer with serious injuries at Norfolk’s Old Hunstanton Beach following a 20-foot fall. A Senior Coastal Operations Officer shared what happened and essential safety tips. 

A kitesurfer’s 20-foot fall is a race against time and tide for North Norfolk coastguards

  • HM Coastguard returned to the Emergency Services Show where staff were ready to eagerly share developments towards the next generation of search and rescue, including zero and low emissions electric vehicles, 'on scene' drones and new Personal Protective Equipment for women.

HM Coastguard showcases drones and electric vehicles at Emergency Services Show

HM Coastguard stand at Emergency Services Show 2024

 

OCTOBER

  • To highlight International Control Room Week we spoke to one of HM Coastguard's Senior Aeronautical Operations Officers, shining a spotlight on their team’s role handling aeronautical assets across the UK. A Vessel Traffic Service Officer told us more about what they do to ensure vessels travel safely through the English Channel.

Inside the Control Room: Aeronautical Operations Team

Inside the Control Room: Vessel Traffic Service Officers (VTSOs)

  • After around 40 years in the same station, Needles Coastguard Rescue Team on the Isle of Wight secured a new home. The new coastguard station offers a spacious, modern and well-equipped space to prepare for search and rescue missions. 

New Coastguard station is 'great news for both the team and the island'

Members of Needles Coastguard Rescue Team outside their new station

 

NOVEMBER

  • On Remembrance Sunday representatives from HM Coastguard attended the Cenotaph in London to march, bear witness, and join the national two-minute silence. Coastguards taking part explained the special meaning this day had for them and their families. 

Remembrance Sunday: Why I’m proud to march at the Cenotaph with HM Coastguard

  • Winch Paramedic Jason Bibby and Winch Operator Carlton Real, from Newquay-based HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter crew, were awarded the 2024 Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy for their outstanding rescue work. The trophy is issued to winchmen and women and winch operators for "meritorious and selfless acts of courage". 

Newquay Rescue Helicopter crew scoop prestigious Billy Deacon Trophy

  

 

DECEMBER

  • From training to equipment and kit, across November and December the ‘Diary of a Coastguard Rescue Officer’ has been giving its viewers a behind-the-scenes peek at what it’s like to be a coastguard volunteer.

Interested in learning more about what it takes to become a coastguard rescue officer?

  • International Volunteer Day pays tribute to the amazing people who give their time to help others. This year we showed our thanks to HM Coastguard through sharing messages of appreciation from members of the public. 

Volunteers are amazing. But don’t take our word for it...

HM Coastguard water rope rescue in action

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