Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Fifth series of Seaside Rescue to be screened on Sunday nights

Fifth series of Seaside Rescue to be screened on Sunday nights

MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (079-08) issued by The Government News Network on 1 April 2008

Her Majesty's Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) charity will feature in a fifth series of the successful BBC documentary Seaside Rescue starting on Sunday, 6 April on BBC One at 6:30 pm.

The returning series was filmed over the summer months last year at several locations; Coastguards from Solent and Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres are featured along with rescue teams and volunteer lifeboat crews from the Isle of Wight, Falmouth, Perranporth, St Agnes and the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter which is based at Lee on Solent.

In the first episode, the Coastguard rescue helicopter is called to assist in the evacuation of people from the severe flooding that happened in Gloucestershire on the 21st July 2007.

The helicopter crew rescued a total of fifteen people and eight dogs from various locations, including a man and woman and their dog from a narrow boat. Five young people were also rescued from the roof of a pub, and an elderly lady and her pet dog, from her caravan.

Richard Norris, Chief Pilot, Coastguard SAR Flight, Lee on the Solent, said:

We were very pleased that we were able to assist in the rescue of these people and their pets from their scary and precarious situation.

Seaside Rescue has been a good opportunity to showcase the work of the Coastguard and the helicopter crews and to highlight some of the difficult incidents that we have been called to.

Julian Mercer, Executive Producer, BBC said:

This is the fifth year of a fantastic partnership with the MCA and the RNLI. Their work is fascinating and we're sure the audience for the new series will agree.

Peter Dawes, RNLI Head of Prevention and Lifeguards, said:

"We are delighted that the RNLI is featuring on the BBC's Seaside Rescue. The series is a great opportunity to demonstrate the work, dedication and bravery of the charity's volunteer crews, and the excellent working relationship between RNLI lifeguards, RNLI lifeboats and the emergency services."

Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at http://www.mcga.gov.uk

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