Rescue, reward and reunion: 2025 with HM Coastguard

Missions included saving people from floods, assisting stricken vessels, and even responding to a load of bananas. 

Every day HM Coastguard was ready to respond 24/7 with Coastguard Rescue Teams and aircraft synchronized from maritime rescue coordination centres.  

Here are some of the big moments. 

JANUARY 

New Year’s Eve parties had barely ended before fresh celebrations began as the BBC kicked off 2025 by marking the centenary of the corporation’s first broadcast in 1925 of the iconic Shipping Forecast. 

In fact, what is now the Shipping Forecast was first called Weather Shipping. It aired on 1 January 1924, a year earlier than the BBC’s debut broadcast, and was picked up by ships over a telegraphic messaging system. 

These days, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is ultimately responsible for the provision of Maritime Safety Information (MSI) to ships at sea. It works closely with the Met Office which prepares and issues routine forecasts and initiates weather warnings for dissemination by HM Coastguard as well as the BBC. 

Closer to land, HM Coastguard responded to floods that struck the Somerset town of Chard on 26-27 January amid heavy wind and rain. 

Coastguard Rescue Teams (CRTs) from Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-Super-Mare assembled, supported by a specialist flood response team made up of Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) from south Devon, three full-time HM Coastguard officers, and a drone team. 

The HM Coastguard contingent joined in the multi-agency response by assisting in the evacuation of around 150 properties, including two care homes, and making welfare checks. 

FEBRUARY 

A personal locator beacon (PLB) was credited with helping make the difference in the rescue of a 74-year-old man who broke bones in 13 places after falling during a solo voyage in bad weather. 

The alert giving Richard Spreckley’s location 14 nautical miles south-east of Berry Head, Devon, was picked up by HM Coastguard’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Fareham, Hampshire, at about 9.55am on 8 February. 

Richard was soon met by RNLI lifeboats from Torbay and Dartmouth sent by HM Coastguard. The sight of them was a “tremendous relief”, he said. 

Someone very familiar with lifesaving rescues is Paul ‘Bud’ White who retired from Hastings Coastguard Rescue Team at the age of 72, ending more than five decades of service for which he was made an MBE in 2010. 

Bud started his time with HM Coastguard as a 17-year-old auxiliary, as the volunteer title was then, and went on to become Station Officer. His grandfather, father, uncle, brother and son have also served. 

It was another proud night at the inaugural Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards in which HM Coastguard was shortlisted for Blue Light Emergency Service of the Year. 

MARCH 

When two cargo vessels, the Stena Immaculate and Solong, collided and caught fire off the coast of Yorkshire on 10 March, the response was led by HM Coastguard.  

Search and rescue and counter-pollution teams were involved, with cooperation across a range of agencies to contain the emergency in which one crew member from the Solong was tragically lost. 

A new joint safety campaign launched in partnership with the RNLI and Royal Yachting Association (RYA), encouraging the recreational boating community to ‘Reduce the risk, boost your skills’. 

It included free checklists for boat owners to refresh their skills and help prepare their vessels for the new boating season.  

Derrick Jones, Assistant Chief Coastguard, said: "We hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time on the water, but it’s essential that all levels of boater, from beginner to experienced, are properly equipped to handle emergency situations that can occur at any time of year, and in any conditions.” 

International Women's Day on 8 March was a chance to spotlight the achievements of HM Coastguard’s Nicola Davies whose career has helped forge a path for other women. 

Embodying the day’s “Accelerate Action” theme, Nicola has risen through the ranks and is now Head of Operational Assurance at HM Coastguard – using her 30 years’ experience to ensure standards are met.  

Nicola's elder daughter, Emily, has followed in her wake as she trains to launch her own maritime career, driving cruise ships around the world.  

APRIL 

Congratulations were in order for Graeme Gordon, Station Officer with Burghead CRT, who picked up three Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards. 

The event celebrates local community champions and volunteers across north-east Scotland, with Graeme winning the categories of Volunteer, Emergency Service, and Hero of Heroes. 

Graeme, who joined HM Coastguard in 1985, was recognised for his longstanding work to save lives by managing his team's training and emergency response. 

MAY 

Coastguards were honoured to join the national commemoration parade to Buckingham Palace to mark VE Day. 

The full-time and volunteer officers marched from Whitehall alongside fellow emergency services personnel from the police, fire and rescue, and ambulance services. 

They were part of the Uniformed Civilian Services contingent in a military parade on Monday 5 May followed by a flypast of current and historic military aircraft – including the famous Red Arrows. The event was ahead of VE Day on 8 May when the Allies declared victory in Europe.  

Hayley Douglas, Deputy Station Officer for Isle of Tiree CRT in Scotland, commented: “It is incredibly important to me to remember those involved in past conflicts in all the various roles across the armed and civil services.” 

JUNE 

A sailor whose yacht sank after going aground on a submerged rock off the coast of Anglesey, Wales, was pulled from the cold water by rescuers guided precisely to his location by an emergency beacon.  

Forward planning by Chris Cowlard made the difference as he was able to broadcast his location with an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) – bought less than three weeks before the incident. 

He was picked up by the RNLI’s inshore lifeboat from Holyhead, directed there by HM Coastguard. Chris said: “I was so relieved. The moment I hit the bottom of that lifeboat I knew I was safe.”    

Port Talbot CRT was the winner of the prestigious Emergency Services Award at the Nation Radio Pride of Wales Awards. 

The team, which has a proud history dating back to the early 1900s, received the honour at a ceremony held at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea on 5 June.  

Station Officer Connor James, Deputy Station Officer Gary Locke, and CROs Alastair Wilson and Leanne Brereton accepted the award on behalf of the team. 

The mother and best friend of a much-loved teenager who drowned in a fierce rip current at Bournemouth beach more than two years ago spoke up to help people enjoy the coast safely this summer.  

Joe Abbess (17), a popular trainee chef and regular gym-goer, was in the water up to his waist during a trip to the seaside town with friends on 31 May 2023 when conditions suddenly changed.  

As the summer season got into full swing, Vanessa Abbess joined with her late son’s best friend, Joe Green (19), and HM Coastguard to make a difference in his memory. 

Vanessa said: "It is so shocking that Joe died and shows you’re never entirely safe in the sea – but there are ways to reduce the risk, which we want everyone to know.” 

More than 50 years working to save lives earned Lymington CRO Peter Brown a British Empire Medal in HM The King's Birthday Honours. 

Peter’s paid and voluntary career started with the RNLI in 1970 and went on to include senior roles at the MCA. 

He said: “In the UK we are so lucky to have such capable and willing coastguards and lifeboat crews promoting maritime safety and rescuing those in need. It is my absolute pleasure to continue to volunteer with the very best of them.” 

JULY 

An HM Coastguard helicopter Winch Paramedic received a prestigious award for his bravery during a dramatic rescue at Newhaven, East Sussex. 

Chris Purkiss, from Lydd’s search and rescue helicopter team, received the Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy at the House of Commons as part of the Air League’s Annual Reception Ceremony on 9 July.  

In July last year, Chris and his crew were sent to a wrecked vessel at Newhaven breakwater. Amid gale conditions, Chris was winched aboard the yacht and successfully rescued the lone yachtsman as the vessel broke up on the rocks.  

Chris’s fellow crew members were Pilot Chris Trubshaw, Co-Pilot Mark Wielopolski, and Winch Operator Andrew Catterall. 

As holidaymakers flocked to beaches across the UK, a summer safety campaign from HM Coastguard urged visitors to stay out of danger by following simple safety advice at the coast.  

Through posters, safety messaging and case studies, HM Coastguard’s Coast Clever summer safety campaign warned of coastal dangers including cliff falls, tidal cutoffs, offshore winds and mud.  

Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan said: “Each year HM Coastguard responds to reports of people in danger at the coast, but many of these situations can be avoided." 

AUGUST 

Two teenagers trapped on cliffs at the popular holiday spot of Bude, Cornwall, were rescued from danger by HM Coastguard. 

A 999 call at about 9pm on 23 August raised the alarm, with the response run from HM Coastguard’s Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). 

The first person was recovered to the top in a rope rescue operation by Bude and Boscastle CRTs. The second was winched to safety by an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter.  

Senior Coastal Operations Officer Robin Snuggs said: “This was a complex and technical rescue involving very close coordination between all the teams involved.” 

SEPTEMBER 

The highly anticipated third series of Coastguard returned for a fresh run on Channel 5.    

Through captivating true-life stories gathered from day-to-day activity on many fronts across the UK, viewers were taken inside the operations of the MCA, tasked with preventing loss of life on the coast and at sea. 

MCA Chief Executive Virginia McVea said: “We’re extremely proud to share a powerful insight into our work across the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.”

A special award was presented by the NHS to HM Coastguard to honour vital support provided during the Covid pandemic in the Western Isles of Scotland. 

An inscribed plaque depicting the George Cross, given for gallantry to the whole NHS in 2022, was offered by NHS Western Isles in gratitude for the efforts of local volunteer CROs.  

A new Operational Support Vehicle (OSV) for HM Coastguard search and rescue operations was among the latest developments to be showcased at the Emergency Services Show 2025.  

The vehicle – one of 18 provided to each operational area of HM Coastguard in the UK – was the centrepiece of its stand at the event from 17-18 September.  

As well as carrying rescue equipment, the OSV provides on-scene command facilities using on-demand satellite communications for reliable contact between commanders and teams in all conditions.  

It also provides welfare and logistical support for prolonged incidents, including hot water; kit washing, decontamination and drying capability; battery recharging; and seating for five people. 

International cooperation between HM Coastguard, the Falkland Islands, Argentina and Spain led to the rescue of a yachtsman whose vessel was in danger of sinking in the south Atlantic more than 100 miles from land. 

With the drifting yacht's communications limited, the jurisdictions worked together to calculate its location about 108 nautical miles south-west of the Falklands and coordinate the rescue with the help of a fishing trawler. 

Rob Priestley, Network Commander at HM Coastguard, said: “This was a good example of international cooperation that brought a yachtsman to safety from a dangerous situation, miles from land.” 

Deceptively calm waters quickly became dangerous one Sunday afternoon at Carlingford Lough in Northern Ireland as two young boys were swept out to sea on a paddleboard. 

The Kilkeel CRT and an RNLI lifeboat were able to spot the boys who had sensibly stayed with the paddleboard to keep them afloat. When the lifeboat crew arrived, both were wet and extremely cold.  

One of their mums said: "As we waited, it was an enormous comfort to have the coastguard rescue team there and know that they would do everything possible to save our boys." 

OCTOBER 

The crew of the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based in Lydd were honoured again for the dramatic rescue at Newhaven, East Sussex – this time by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society.  

On 4 July 2024, the crew sprang into action when deteriorating weather prevented an RNLI lifeboat from safely rescuing a stricken sailor whose yacht had broken free of its moorings. 

“With seconds to act, the crew showed exceptional skill and bravery, winching their paramedic onto the collapsing yacht to pull the casualty free before both were lifted to safety,” said the Society. 

Winch Paramedic Chris Purkiss called it “a real team effort,” praising his helicopter crew and Newhaven CRT on the ground. 

The MCA announced the locations for HM Coastguard’s new seasonal helicopter bases, increasing search and rescue provision in two of the busiest locations for summer tourism. 

On Monday 6 October, HM Coastguard in conjunction with Bristow Helicopters Limited began construction of the new base at Oban. The base will include a modern Search and Rescue hangar, an operational planning room, offices and rest areas for crews. 

The second seasonal base will be located in Carlisle. The bases will each operate one aircraft from April to September, 9am-9pm, with a readiness state of 15 minutes. 

Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan said: “Our new seasonal bases are a huge step forward in expanding HM Coastguard’s search and rescue capability during those periods when we experience a rise in incidents.” 

CRTs from across north Wales, together with crew members from the Caernarfon search and rescue helicopter, watched a special thank-you screening of the BBC’s second series of SOS Extreme Rescues.  

All those attending the showing at Galeri Caernarfon had taken part in the filming of the second series which follows the incredible responses of HM Coastguard and partner emergency services across the coastlines and mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). 

Among them were three related members of Criccieth CRT, in Gwynedd: husband and wife Anitria and Wayne Roberts and their son, Cedri. 

Angie Bosley, from Barmouth CRT, said: “It was a great reminder of the importance of collaboration and the impact of what we do. The screening really captured that spirit, and it was lovely to celebrate it together.” 

The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter crew from Caernarfon celebrated winning the Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award for the second year running.   

The accolade was given by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots at a ceremony in London on Friday 24 October for “exceptional courage and professionalism” in responding to an injured walker at Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) in Snowdonia in extremely challenging weather.  

On 18 November 2024, Captain David Kenyon, Co-pilot Charlie Brown, Winch Operator Mark Tomblin, Winch Paramedic Neil Cooper, and Winch Operator Under Training Geraint Morris overcame a blizzard to successfully rescue the casualty. 

A suspected bomb brought up from the seabed was presented to Brightlingsea Museum in Essex after researchers discovered it was actually a bell from a wrecked ship that first set sail from the town nearly 150 years ago.  

The Deputy Receiver of Wreck, Andrea Bailey, helped bring the artefact home from where it was found during commercial survey work near Saltburn – about 260 miles away on the North Sea coast. 

With no one claiming ownership, it became property of the Crown and so it was agreed its final journey would be back to Brightlingsea for exhibition in the local museum. 

Deputy Receiver of Wreck Andrea said: “The fate of the Masonic and her crew was a tragedy, far away from where it first set sail. So it feels right that the bell – the last surviving piece – is returned to where it was built.” 

NOVEMBER 

Specialist flood response teams from HM Coastguard joined fellow emergency services helping communities keep safe in south Wales as Storm Claudia swept through the region. 

Heavy rain brought flooding to several areas: swelling rivers, blocking roads, and forcing some residents to leave their homes to keep clear of the rising waters.  

During 14-15 November, volunteer CROs assisted more than 150 people, including making welfare checks, responding to 999 calls, and evacuating at-risk households. 

The crew of an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter who plucked a man from a yacht being smashed on rocks won recognition yet again their skill and bravery. 

The Lydd-based helicopter team were presented with the International Ocean Safety Award by the International Association of Cape Horners at their annual lunch in Portsmouth on 22 November.  

The accolade was for the rescue at Newhaven, Sussex, on 4 July 2024 when the HM Coastguard helicopter and crew, provided by contractor Bristow, saved a sailor from his yacht as it was swept onto rocks below a sea wall.  

DECEMBER 

When Storm Bram swept across the UK in early December, HM Coastguard was ready to respond. In Newtownards, Northern Ireland, Bangor and Portaferry CRTs joined fellow emergency services on 9 December to help a number of vehicles stranded in flood water – including a school bus of children.  

CROs in full water rescue equipment assisted in clearing the road to allow the vehicles to get to safety. 

HM Coastguard was alerted to another significant incident when 16 containers came off a cargo ship near the Nab Tower in the Solent, leading to loads of bananas washing up on the West Sussex coast. 

Eight of the containers were reported as carrying bananas, two as carrying plantain, one as carrying avocados, and the remaining five as empty. No one was injured. 

HM Coastguard closely monitored the situation, warning shipping and sending aircraft and Selsey CRT to observe. The response included liaising with local authorities responsible for the shoreline clean-up, as well as the vessel’s owners for recovering the containers. 

Happy new year!