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