Whitehaven Coastguard were called out to a distress beacon near Whitehaven Marina as Storm Boelo swept the county.
The Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Belfast Coastguard following the activation of a distress beacon.
The Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) had been activated in the vicinity of Whitehaven Marina.
A spokesperson for Whitehaven Coastguard said: “Thankfully, on this occasion, checks of the beacon’s registration details, combined with local knowledge, enabled us to establish whilst mustering that the vessel it was registered to was on hard standing in the boatyard and had been for some time.
“However, until the beacon itself could be located, the alert deactivated and it could be confirmed that nobody was in need of assistance, a response was still required.”
On arrival at the scene, the team confirmed that the vessel remained in position on the hard standing.
Unfortunately, due to the severe weather conditions and the lack of safe access, the team was unable to reach the vessel to deactivate the beacon.
The spokesperson added: “Alerts from this device will be suppressed on HM Coastguards system, until safe access for deactivation can take place by the vessel owner.
“Even when an alert appears to have an innocent explanation, every 999 call and distress activation must be treated seriously until it can be verified that no one is in danger.”
The EPIRBs and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) and other distress beacons come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours.
These beacons transmit a distress signal on 406 MHz, which is detected by the satellite-based alerting system and relayed to the relevant Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.
The appropriate Coastguard Rescue Teams and other relevant resources can then be tasked to carry out a search and rescue operation.
The spokesperson said: “If you own one, or are considering a purchase as a gift for a loved one this Christmas, then please be sure to register the details of the owner or vessel which will greatly aid any rescue efforts if it should ever be needed.”
Registration is free and can be done via this link here
