Epirb Saves the Lives of 4 French Yachtsmen

Friday, November 13, 2009
Posted 18:22 GMT

Falmouth Coastguard were active in saving the lives of 4 French yachtsmen sailing 350 miles south of Lands End in treacherous weather of seas 7 – 8 metres.

At 12:15pm Falmouth Coastguard received an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) from the French sailing yacht Jactt within the Falmouth search and rescue region; which resulted in Falmouth coordinating the incident along with the good cooperation from the French and Spanish Maritime Authorities.

Falmouth Coastguard broadcast for any merchant vessels to assist and 2 merchant vessels responded and proceeded in very high seas and strong winds. The 4 yachtsmen aboard the Jactt were taken safely aboard a Spanish Rescue helicopter and transferred to La Coruna Airport in northern Spain.

Steven Huxley, Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said:

Contact with the yacht was limited due to the language barrier and poor satellite and VHF connections. This incident highlights the importance of having the appropriate life saving appliances on board and how Falmouth Coastguard works with their counterparts abroad to bring about safety at sea and the preservation of life.

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401