WIREDGOV

At approximately 1 o’clock this afternoon, Yarmouth Coastguard were alerted to a distress beacon transmitting either inland or close inshore near Saltfleet in Lincolnshire. Due to the possibility of a vessel being in distress, the Humber all weather lifeboat was asked to assist. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Donna Nook and Mablethorpe were also sent to the approximate area and assist in the search. RAF Rescue Helicopter 128 was also requested to assist in the location of the beacon.

After two and a half hours of searching, Coastguard Rescue Officers found an assortment of items in a skip near North Somercotes. Amongst the items was a fire-damaged Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). The EPIRB had been in a shed that had caught light some time previously, and was believed to be broken. In fact, it was working perfectly, and had been picked up by multiple passing satellites, triggering a Coastguard response.

Watch Manager Mario Siano said:

"EPIRBs are an excellent means of alerting rescue services to a distress situation, but it's very important they are correctly registered so that we can quickly identify the source of the alarm and react accordingly. Without registering it, we get nothing more than an alert, a position and a beacon number, which makes our job that much harder."

"It's also very important that you correctly dispose of all emergency alerting devices – in particular by remembering to remove the battery, even if you think it's dead. These devices are designed to be hard-wearing and take considerable punishment, so the only way to be sure it’s disabled is to remove the battery."

Notes to Editors

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• The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector. www.seavisionuk.org

• • Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch

Contacts:

Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office
Phone: 023 8032 9401
NDS.MCGA@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Mark Clark.
Phone: 023 8032 9414
Mobile: 07711 002678
mark.clark@mcga.gov.uk