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Showing posts from July, 2012

CHILD BLOWN OUT TO SEA AT ULROME, NEAR BRIDLINGTON

A five-year old child had to be rescued from the sea at Ulrome near Bridlington this afternoon after the child was blown out to sea in an inflatable dinghy. At just before 1pm a member of the public called Humber Coastguard. They were told that a young child was being blown out to sea in an inflatable dinghy. Despite the fact that she was already 75 metres out and drifting further a woman had gone in to the sea to try and reach her. Humber Coastguard immediately sent the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat from Bridlington to go to the scene and sent Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team to the beach to stop anyone else going in to the sea to try and rescue the child. The woman turned back to shore because she realised she couldn’t make it. The RNLI Inshore Lifeboat from Bridlington rescued the child. Both received medical attention on shore but were found to be fine after their ordeal. Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Watch Manager Mike Puplett said: “Inflatable boats and to

TWO VESSELS IN SHEERNESS HARBOUR REPORT SHELLS ONBOARD

Two vessels docked in Sheerness Harbour this afternoon reported that they had suspected unexploded shells on board. Thames Coastguard received the first call at 2pm from Medway VTS. They reported that a multi-purpose catamaran workboat in Sheerness Harbour had an 18-inch by 5-inch suspected unexploded shell on their deck. The second report of an unexploded shell on board a vessel in Sheerness Harbour came from Medway VTS at just before 3.30pm. A 90-metre cable layer had a 12-inch by 4-inch suspected unexploded shell onboard. Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Team went to the scene whilst Thames Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre liased with the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit from Portsmouth. They arrived at Sheerness at 6pm. After examining both shells they declared the ordnance to be safe. Thames Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Watch Manager Karen Paradise said: “As a precaution we evacuated a total of 39 people from the two vessels and put a 100-metre exclu

TRIP IN TENDER ENDS IN NEAR DISASTER

A trip in a tender to pick-up fuel for the yacht almost ended in near disaster last night when a man and his son found themselves in the water without lifejackets. Swansea Coastguard received a call from a yacht at just before midnight last night. The person onboard reported that two people had gone for fuel in a tender and had not returned. While the RNLI Lifeboat from Horton was on its way to Oxwich Bay to search for the missing people Swansea Coastguard broadcast an alert to all vessels in the area asking them to keep a sharp look out for the man, his son and their tender. Almost immediately afterwards the yacht Mistry contacted Swansea Coastguard to say that they had pulled two people from the water. Horton lifeboat brought the man and his son back to their yacht (with their fuel). They were both safe and well. Swansea Coastguard Watch Officer Richard Furneaux said: These two took to the tender without lifejackets, flares or any other safety equipment and so when the tender was swa

TEENAGERS, LAST SEEN FLOATING OUT TO SEA ON INFLATABLE BOAT, FOUND

Dover Coastguard has been coordinating the search this evening for three teenagers last seen on an inflatable toy boat in Pegwell Bay, off Sandwich. The Coastguard was called at 9.30 pm this evening by Ramsgate Port to report that the three children had been spotted at the entrance to the River Stour on a semi inflated toy rubber boat. The Margate, Deal and Langdon coastguard rescue teams searched along the shoreline for the children. The Ramsgate all weather and inshore RNLI lifeboats and the two Walmer RNLI lifeboats were requested to launch and searched an area off Ramsgate whilst a rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham was scrambled and joined the search. Spike Hughes, Dover Coastguard Rescue Coordination Centre Manager says: “I am very relieved to say that we have just found the three children in Grange Road, Ramsgate after they were spotted by a member of the public and reported to us. They still had their boat with them. Inflatable boats and toys are great fun in the swimming poo

SEARCH FOR MAN MISSING IN PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR IS CALLED OFF

The search for a man who went missing after helping to rescue a youth and a toddler from the sea at Portsmouth has been called off tonight.  Solent Coastguard received a call at 3.40 pm to report that four people were struggling in the water. Three of them were quickly rescued, but the fourth was not recovered from the water.  The Hillhead and Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Coastguard helicopter based at Lee-on-Solent, two Gosport Independent Lifeboats, two Portsmouth RNLI lifeboats, two MOD  Police launches, Royal Navy personnel, Police, Fire and Rescue officers and Ambulance crew searched through the evening but this missing man was not found. A smaller scale search involving coastguard rescue officers will begin tomorrow at sunrise. Paul Marlow, Solent Coastguard Watch Manager says: “Sadly, despite an intensive search we were unable to find the missing man.”

CHILDREN RESCUED FROM RIP TIDE AT SEA PALLING

Yarmouth Coastguard would like to remind everyone to use beaches with lifeguards and make sure you only swim between the flags after two children were rescued from a rip tide at Sea Palling, 15 miles North of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. At just before midday today Yarmouth Coastguard answered a 999 call from a member of the public reporting that two children were being dragged out to sea in a rip tide. The mother of one of the children had run in to the sea to try and reach them. Yarmouth Coastguard immediately called the RNLI Lifeguards who patrol the beach. They launched their beach rescue boat and quickly found the two 14 year old girls. One had been reached by the mother who was wading ashore with her. The other, who was further out, was pulled from the water by the RNLI lifeguard boat. Both of the girls, who were uninjured, are from the Ipswich area. They had been swimming outside the lifeguard patrol area safety flags on the beach. Mario Siano, Y

RESCUE SERVICES ON SCENE OF LANDSLIDE IN LYME BAY

Three Coastguard Rescue teams and the Coastguard rescue helicopter based in Portland are all currently at the scene of a landslide in Lyme Bay. Portland Coastguard received a report of a landslide between Freshwater and Burton Bradstock at just before 12.30pm. The landslide was reported to be 400 meters from Freshwater caravan park and the caller reported that a person was trapped under the fallen rocks. West Bay, Lyme and Wyke Coastguard Rescue Teams and their managers are currently on scene with the Coastguard rescue helicopter based in Portland. They are working with Dorset Police, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, South Western Ambulance Service and the lifeboat from Lyme Regis to search for those who may be trapped and to keep the public away from the area surrounding the landslide. The specialist Urban Search and Rescue Team from Exeter are on their way to the scene.

CLYDE COASTGUARD COORDINATE SEARCHES FOR MISSING MOTORBOATER AND MISSING DIVER

CLYDE COASTGUARD COORDINATE SEARCHES FOR MISSING MOTORBOATER AND MISSING DIVER Clyde Coastguard received a call from Strathclyde Police reporting an overdue vessel with one person onboard at 1.00 pm yesterday afternoon (Monday). The vessel ‘Destiny’ had departed Rothesay on Saturday 21st July heading for Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran. There had been no contact with the person on board the vessel since Sunday morning and the family were concerned for his safety. After several attempts to contact the vessel, the Coastguard made urgent broadcasts to all shipping. Coastguard rescue teams from Arran, Cumbrae, Kames, Rothesay and Carradale began a shoreline search. RNLI lifeboats from Arran and Tighnabruaich were requested to launch and carry out a search for the vessel. Despite the broadcasts, land and sea search, nothing was found. At 8.00 pm Clyde Coastguard received a 999 call reporting a red flare sighting off Troon Harbour. Troon RNLI Lifeboat and Ayr Coastguard Rescue Teams investigated

MAN AND BOY RESCUED FROM UPTURNED FISHING BOAT

A man and his teenaged son have been rescued from their upturned fishing boat this afternoon. Liverpool Coastguard received a call at 12.45 pm to report that the man and his son were on top of the hull of their orange open topped fishing boat. The boy was wearing a lifejacket. They had called a shore contact, using their waterproof mobile phone, who had then called the Coastguard. Lytham St Annes RNLI inshore and all weather lifeboats were requested to launch and soon found the man and his son off Lytham St Annes. Both had been in the sea for about half an hour and were very cold. They were brought to shore and were then transferred on to hospital. Rescue Coordination Centre Manager Tony Topping said: "Fortunately the man and his son were found relatively quickly following their phone call and they had been able to scramble onto the hull of their small vessel. "If you're using your mobile phone in an emergency situation at sea or along the coast call 999 and a

DIVE BOAT FINDS CREW OF SUNKEN FISHING VESSEL

Three fishermen have been rescued from their life raft in Lyme bay after they managed to attract the attention of dive boat 'Blue Turtle' with a flare. Its believed that the fishermen, who were found 10 nautical miles off Lyme Regis at just before 12 noon, were fishing out of Brixham when their vessel sank at 2am this morning. All three crew made it on to the life raft where they were found by the dive boat at lunchtime today. Rescue Coordination Centre Manager Mark Rodaway said: The three fishermen have now been taken from 'Blue Turtle' by the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter based at Portland to the helicopter's base, where they have been checked over by an ambulance crew. The Mission for Deep Sea Fishermen is helping with the arrangements for their journey home to Brixham. We do not know at the moment why they were unable to call for assistance last night, but they were incredibly lucky to be found after a very long and cold night at sea. Incidents of th

TEENAGER FALLS 40 FOOT

A teenager fell 40 foot at Cadgwith in Cornwall , late this afternoon. Falmouth Coastguard received a call from Ambulance Control at approximately 4:20pm informing them that a person had fallen 40 foot at Cadgwith and had landed on rocks. Coastguard Rescue officers from Porthleven and Mullion were sent to the scene. A Rescue helicopter had been scrambled by Ambulance control from RNAS Culdrose. James Instance, Falmouth Coastguard, says: “The teenager has been airlifted to Treliske Hospital , we understand he has sustained serious injuries. He was holidaying with his family in the area. We would like to remind the public if walking along the cliff or coastline to take care and m ake sure that you are properly equipped for walking along paths. In particular remember to wear sturdy shoes or boots and check the weather forecast before you set out. Do not attempt to climb up or down cliffs unless you are properly equipped and trained to do so. Do not attempt to cli

DIVE BOAT CAPSIZES WITH 11 PEOPLE ABOARD

A dive boat with 11 people aboard sunk just off Lowestoft Harbour this afternoon. Yarmouth Coastguard received a call from Lowestoft Harbour Control at 12:12pm informing them that the dive boat was a quarter of a nautical mile east of the harbour and the boat was sinking by the stern and people were in the water.   Dave Moore, Watch Officer, Yarmouth Coastguard, says: “The Lowestoft RNLI all weather lifeboat was exercising in the area and was in fortunate position to be able to be on scene rapidly and retrieve all 11 people from the water.   They have been taken to the lifeboat station and will be given medical assistance. The Lowestoft lifeboat will return to the wreckage site to clear the debris from the water.” The weather conditions on scene were calm with a light south westerly wind and sunny.

SMALL BOAT CAPSIZES OFF SALTBURN

A small 15 foot boat capsized with five people aboard early this morning off Saltburn. Humber Coastguard responded to 999 call at 7:30am from a member of the public informing them of the incident.   Coastguard Rescue officers from Redcar and Skinningrove were sent to the scene and the Redcar RNLI inshore lifeboats were requested to launch. Also on scene were the North East Ambulance and Cleveland Police. Mike Puplett, Watch Manager Humber Coastguard, says: “All five crew from the boat are accounted for, as they managed to make their way to shore where they were met by Coastguards who offered assistance and advice; only one of the crew needed medical assistance on scene.   The lifeboats crew did a sweep of the area, and I can report that the vessel in now beached on the shore. All five crew of this vessel are fortunate that they did not incur serious injury or even worse, loss of life.   We would like to remind the public how important it is when at sea to be prepare

LUXURY MOTOR CRUISER ABLAZE IN POOLE HARBOUR

A fire broke out on a Sealine S37 in Poole Harbour this afternoon; there were four crew aboard the vessel. Portland Coastguard received a 999 call from the crew of a nearby yacht informing them that the motor cruiser alongside at Cobbs Quay Marina was on fire, and was in need of urgent assistance. Coastguard Rescue officers from Poole were sent to the scene and the Poole RNLI all weather and inshore lifeboats were requested to launch. Also in attendance were the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and the Dorset Police. Mark Rodaway, Duty Area Officer, Portland Coastguard, says: “There was a significant fire aboard the motor cruiser, we understand that one member of staff from Cobbs Quay has sustained injuries in the nature of burns and smoke inhalation and is now receiving medical attention.   The area surrounding the vessel is cordoned off and the fire service is dealing with the fire. This incident is a multi agency response coordinated by Portland Coastguard.

SEARCH FOR MISSING PERSON, BANFF BAY

A search is underway off the Moray Coast for a man who entered the water in the early hours of the morning. Aberdeen Coastguard was forwarded an emergency call from Ambulance Control at 2:30am from a member of the public informing them of a person in the water in need of assistance at Banff Bay . Coastguard Rescue teams from Buckie, Portsoy, Banff and Gardenstown were sent to the scene to conduct a shoreline search with the Moray Coastguard Sector Manager. A Rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth was scrambled and Macduff and Buckie RNLI lifeboats were requested to launch. Hayley Morden, Watch Officer, Aberdeen Coastguard, says: “We understand that the missing man entered the water at approximately 2am with his two friends. The two friends are safe and well, but unfortunately we have not yet found the missing man, and the search is ongoing.” We would like to remind the public to c all 999 and ask for the coastguard whenever in difficulty on or along the co

SERIOUS INCIDENT ON RHIB OFF THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Solent Coastguard has been coordinating the search and rescue of four people on a small boat off the Isle of Wight , this afternoon. The Coastguard received a 999 call at 4:49pm informing them that four people on a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) were in trouble off the Needles.   The Coastguard Rescue helicopter already airborne on exercise was tasked to the scene and Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service was tasked to attend at Yarmouth . Tony Wheeler, Watch Manager, Solent Coastguard, says: “We understand that two of the four people on board the rhib fell into the water and have sustained injuries from the propeller.   One has been airlifted and taken to Southampton General Hospital by the Coastguard Rescue helicopter, the other casualty has been taken by Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat to Yarmouth where they were met by the Ambulance service and transferred to St Mary’s Hospital, Isle of Wight.”

THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE AT THE SEASIDE

Now that the school holidays are almost here, Coastguards in England and Wales are encouraging children and families to stay safe whilst at the beach and along the coast. George Crumpler, HM Coastguard Sector Manager at Aberystwyth says: We want everyone who visits our coast to have a great time and to go home with happy memories. So weve prepared a few guidelines that visitors may like to consider before they set out. In short: • Prepare well for your day out; • go to a lifeguarded beach if you can and always swim between the red and yellow flags; • check the weather and tides – remember you can get cut off by the tide; • blow-up toys are best used at the pool – never use them in rough seas or off-shore winds; • supervise any children – take advantage of any wristband schemes; • stay away from cliff edges – they can be crumbly or slippery when wet; • dont jump off cliffs and other high places into the sea – you dont know what lurks beneath the surface; • keep your dog on a lead along
HM COASTGUARD WORK WITH BT IN ‘Everyday Lives’ CAMPAIGN The Coastguard Rescue Service is highlighted in one of a series of short videos produced by BT in its ‘Everyday Lives’ campaign. The Coastguard Rescue Service has over 3,000 officers in 368 teams throughout the UK who rescue people in difficulty, primarily on the coastline of the UK . They take up this role willingly, giving up their time to serve their immediate local communities and the wider aspect of being part of a professional emergency service. BT’s Everyday Lives series, consisting of five short films, showcases normal people doing great things with the help of new technology. There are thousands of Britons doing great things around the country. This series is about giving them the recognition they deserve. Neil Rogers, President, Global Government, BT Global Services said: “Every day I hear stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Central to their stories is the technology

SCOUT GROUP RECOVERED FROM MARSHLAND

A scout group has been recovered from marshland in Itchen Valley Country Park near Southampton this afternoon. Solent Coastguard provided support to Hampshire Fire and Rescue in response to a report of 16 scouts and three scout leaders who were stuck in mud in Itchen Valley Country Park . Solent Coastguard sent both Hillhead and Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Teams which are mud rescue trained and equipped, as well as the coastguard rescue helicopter from Solent .   Hampshire Fire and Rescue and Hampshire Police were also in attendance. The coastguard rescue helicopter located the group between areas of mud near the river.     The coastguard rescue helicopter was able to land on a stable area and then lifted the group to dry land.   Members of Hillhead and Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Teams secured the landing site for the helicopter and all members of the group are reported to be safe and well.

CONTAINER VESSEL ABANDONED MID ATLANTIC

Crew on board a container vessel were forced to abandon their ship after an explosion and subsequent fire in a cargo hold mid Atlantic. Crew on board a container vessel were forced to abandon their ship after an explosion and subsequent fire in a cargo hold mid Atlantic. At 10:07 Falmouth Coastguard received the relayed mayday broadcast from the German registered MSC Flaminia reporting that the crew on board had abandoned the vessel. Falmouth Coastguard broadcast an alert to all vessels in the area and the nearest vessel which could provide assistance was the oil tanker DS Crown which immediately changed course to intercept the MSC Flaminia. Six other merchant vessels also proceeded to the location to help with the search and rescue operation but were more than six hours from the location. Rescue helicopters do not have the endurance required to attend an incident of this nature because the vessel is approximately 1,000 miles from land mid way between the UK and Canada. DS Crow

TEENAGER RESCUED FROM MUDSLIDE

A 13 year old boy has been rescued by coastguards from a mudslide at Charmouth in West Dorset . At 1445 today, Portland Coastguard received a report of a 13 year old boy trapped in mud following a mudslide at Stonebarrow Beach , Lyme Regis. It was reported that further mudslides were possible within the area. Portland immediately sent Lyme Regis Coastguard Rescue Team, which is a specialist mud rescue team and the coastguard rescue helicopter from Portland to the scene. The coastguard rescue team safely extracted the boy, who was then checked by the helicopter paramedic before transfer to South West Ambulance Service. There is a significant risk of problems with mud slides at the moment, as the recent heavy rains have made much of the cliff unstable especially between Bridport and Sidmouth, with further cliff falls and mudslides likely. Coastguards and local authorities have placed warning signs in many areas, and we would urge visitors to pay special attention

FAMILY AIRLIFTED FROM YACHT OFF WEYMOUTH

Portland Coastguard coordinated the rescue of a family from their yacht after it started taking water two miles south of Portland Bill Lighthouse. The yacht, First Instinct, issued a mayday call at 0903 today having sailed from Weymouth . The family of three adults and two teenage children had discovered a large amount of water coming into the 45 foot long yacht placing them in immediate danger of sinking in rough water in the Portland tidal race. Portland Coastguard scrambled the coastguard rescue helicopter based at Portland who were on scene a few minutes later and launched Weymouth RNLI Lifeboat. The local boat Offshore Rebel responded to the mayday broadcast and stood by the yacht. One adult and the two children were airlifted from the yacht by the Coastguard helicopter which took them to the Portland airbase then returned to the scene. Weymouth RNLI Lifeboat took the yacht in tow for Weymouth after placing a pump on board which managed to keep up with the ingress. Po

SEARCH FOR MAN SPOTTED IN HELFORD RIVER

Three coastguard rescue teams and two lifeboats are currently searching the Helford River for a missing 36-year-old man after a member of the public spotted him in the water shouting for help earlier this evening. The member of the public called Falmouth Coastguard at 6.41pm to report that they had seen a man in the water 200 metres off Grebe Beach.  The man had then disappeared from view.  Falmouth Coastguard requested the launch of the Falmouth RNLI lifeboats, along with the rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose, to begin a search of the area.  They also sent the Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene.  Further investigations yielded that the missing man was seen to have come from the yacht ‘New Moon’.  Other members of the public on scene reported that they had seen him in the water swimming after the dinghy belonging to the yacht.  The dinghy from the yacht was subsequently located at the mouth of the Helford. At 7.30pm Falmouth Coastguard sent two further coastg

SIX CREW RESCUED FROM FISHING VESSEL ON FIRE

Six crew were rescued from a Banff registered fishing vessel east of Orkney this afternoon after their 22 metre fishing vessel caught fire. Shetland Coastguard received a transmission from a distress radio beacon at 3.50 pm, with the information that it had been sent from the fishing vessel ‘Denarius’ and giving a position of 60 miles east of Orkney. Unable to make communication with the vessel, Shetland Coastguard scrambled the Shetland Coastguard rescue helicopter, along with issuing a mayday relay broadcast to all vessels in the area. After making contact with the owner of the vessel, they believed that there were six people on board. The owner also reported that his son was the skipper of the vessel and had contacted him some minutes before to report that there was a fire on board. Several other vessels including the Maersk Responder responded to the mayday to offer assistance in the search and a Bond helicopter was also launched. At 16.45 the Coastguard

CONTROLLED EXPLOSION OF ORDNANCE

The dredger ‘David Church’ whilst operating within Dover harbour picked up what is believed to be an old World War II explosive. Dover Coastguard has been coordinating with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal ( EOD) team from Portsmouth and with the Dover Port Authority, to have the explosive taken to a remote area and detonated. Tony Chester, Watch Manager, Dover Coastguard, says: “It is the intention of the EOD to detonate the ordnance in a controlled environment in daylight hours. The ordnance is 1metre in length with a 30cm diameter and its fins have rusted off. The coastguard will be issuing safety broadcasts and warnings to vessels in the area. ”

COASTGUARDS RESPOND TO MULTIPLE INCIDENTS

Portland Coastguard has responded to a number of flood warnings and alerts today, working with Dorset Police and Dorset Fire and Rescue service.   The Weymouth Sector Manager, Coastguard Rescue teams from West Bay, Poole and Wyke and the Coastguard Rescue helicopter from Portland were sent out on multiple incidents throughout the last 24 hours, all coordinated by Portland Coastguard.   Having rescued two people stranded on top of their car which was under water as the River Brid broke its banks and a gentleman stranded in his wheelchair in water at Burton Bradstock, to name a few. Maddy Davey, Watch Manager, Portland Coastguard, says: “We have responded to a significantly high number of incidents today;   yachts in danger of breaking their moorings; crew have become seasick and most alarmingly a kayaker was separated from his kayak and then swept through the sluice gate into the harbour, he was extremely lucky to have survived the ordeal unharmed. With the Met Office

MAN FALLS 25 FEET ONTO ROCKS

A man fell 25 feet onto rocks at Sheepland Harbour , County Down this afternoon, and was rescued by a helicopter and taken on to hospital. Belfast Coastguard received a call at 3:06pm from ambulance control reporting a man had been recovered from the water, after falling 25 feet onto the rocks and into the water at Sheepland Harbour . The Coastguard requested the launch of the RNLI Portaferry inshore lifeboat and sent the Southdown Coastguard Rescue team to the scene as well as scrambling the Irish Coastguard’s Rescue helicopter. Alan Pritchard, Watch Manager, Belfast Coastguard, says: “On scene one of the crew from the lifeboat went ashore to assist the ambulance crew. The casualty was assessed and due to the extent of his injuries he was airlifted to Musgrave Park for onward transport to Royal Victoria Hospital . We would like to remind the public to be properly equipped for walking along coastal paths. In particular remember to wear sturdy shoes or boo