Lifejackets Save More Lives Advises Yarmouth Coastguard

Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Posted 23:35 GMT

Earlier this evening Yarmouth Coastguard responded to two instances of fishing vessels requiring assistance off the north Norfolk coast.

In the first, the Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat were asked to launch following a report of a red flare being fired by a fishing boat off Blakeney. The fishing boat was towed safely into Morston harbour where it was found by the local Coastguard team that of the 3 persons onboard, only one had a lifejacket and the vessel had gone to sea with no radio or even a mobile phone to contact the Coastguard in the event of difficulties.

In the second incident, two hours later, a 999 call was received from an inflatable boat with two people onboard which had suffered engine failure and a puncture off Weybourne.

While attempting to get back to shore, they lost a paddle and became disorientated in the dark. Sheringham RNLI inshore lifeboat was asked to respond but luckily the two people managed to get ashore in the meantime, although they were still unsure of where they were. Sheringham Coastguard team located them and discovered that they had neither lifejackets nor radio and were lucky to get a mobile phone signal to alert the Coastguard of their predicament.

Christina Martyn, Watch Manager said;

It is very irresponsible to put to sea without taking the proper precautions to ensure your safety. Lifejackets and VHF radio are the very minimum recommendations to ensure safety and well being while at sea.

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