HM Coastguard investigated an activated beacon alert in the Ilfracombe area earlier today. Receiving the alert at around 9.30am, the Coastguard helicopter from St Athan and Ilfracombe lifeboat were sent to conduct searches of the area.
Once the beacon was located it was confirmed to be a false alarm.
The beacon belonged to the mariner of a vessel that sunk earlier this week. The Coastguard responded to reports of a sinking vessel on 22 May, and the two people onboard were rescued by Ilfracombe all weather and inshore lifeboats, following a 999 call and use of VHF radio.
It was not until yesterday and today that the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) activated. Because the mariner had at least two separate and independent devices onboard they were able to raise an alarm and contact the Coastguard.
George O’Keefe, Tactical Commander, said:
“It is so important to have multiple means of raising a distress alert when on the water.
“If this vessel did not have VHF radio and an EPIRB on board, the incident may not have had such a successful outcome.
“No one wants to be in an emergency situation but that does not mean your vessel should not be equipped. If in danger, knowing how to use your VHF radio and having EPIRBs and personal locator beacons onboard are just some of the ways you can help the Coastguard to locate you much faster.”
