Get Prepared Before You Set Out to Sea

The National Maritime Operations Centre received a 999 call earlier this afternoon from a couple who were in difficulty on their speedboat off the Highcliffe coast, in Dorset.

The couple were finding the sea conditions too rough, and requested assistance. They also reported that they had no lifejackets on board.

The Coastguard requested the RNLI lifeboat from Mudeford to launch and recover the couple, and their boat, back to Christchurch Harbour.

Coastguard Controller, Matthew Leat said,

“Recreational boaters should wear an appropriate floatation device such as a lifejacket or buoyancy aid at all times. We also recommend that you always check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out so that you can prepare accordingly. We also urge boaters to invest in the correct communications equipment, a fixed DSC VHF radio is far more reliable than a mobile phone in an emergency situation."

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