Maritime and Coastguard Agency

The UK Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) is today celebrating its first birthday – despite having been in operation for four years.   The ARCC went live on the last leap year, on February 29, 2016. Since then the centre, which coordinates the aeronautical side of search and rescue, including sending search and rescue aircraft to emergencies around the UK, have received almost 12,000 requests for support. From saving lives during the Beast from the East and having a baby delivered mid-flight, to working internationally to evacuate over a hundred workers from oil rigs, it’s been a busy few years for the 34 dedicated staff who man the centre. The operational watchkeeping staff come from varied backgrounds, both military and civilian, some of whom worked at the ARCC when the function passed from the Royal Air Force to HM Coastguard four years ago. The centre responds to requests for support from all emergency services – police, ambulance service, fire serv

Coastguard volunteers and staff worked throughout the night to help those affected by the flooding in parts of East Yorkshire. A wading team, in full water rescue kit and with an inflatable sled, assisted Humberside Fire & Rescue Service with door knocking, giving safety advice and helping with further evacuations. Teams are still ready to respond once more if needed. Coastal Operations Area Commander Matt Atkinson said: “Our amazing volunteers and full-time officers have really gone above and beyond in the last few days, with many dropping everything to travel to assist with the flooding and to help those in need.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is today (February 25) accelerating progress to make the UK a world leader for accessible travel as a new Government campaign launches to improve the journeys of disabled passengers on public transport. The Department for Transport has launched ‘it’s everyone’s journey’ advertising campaign to highlight how we can all play a part in making public transport inclusive. The campaign is being supported by more than 100 partners, including First Group, WHSmith and the Alzheimer’s Society. As one in four disabled people say the attitudes of other passengers prevent them from using public transport, the campaign will encourage everyone to reflect on how common, and often unconscious, behaviours can impact others and what we can all do to create a more considerate environment for passengers. Alongside this, the Department is launching its Inclusive Transport Leaders scheme, an accreditation scheme which will encourage, celebrate and promote best practice

This weekend brought another menace to our weather systems with the arrival of Storm Dennis plus heavy rains and storm force winds. Named ‘Dennis the Menace’ by some, after the popular mischief making cartoon character from the Beano comic, Dennis kept our teams and emergency services partners on our toes around the UK, all sharing the mission to keep people safe. Weather forecasts predicted Storm Force 10 warnings, with high winds posing a danger to life and this was combined with torrential downpours causing severe flooding in  parts of the UK. Around the coasts, our teams were in action 24/7, responding to 999 calls to the Coastguard requesting assistance as well as calls for help from emergency services partners and local authorities. Over the weekend, the response really was nationwide and included: Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Teams helping Police Scotland with a closure of the Braigh, a coastal road on Lewis being battered by dangerous waves

Storm Dennis is set to bring more strong wind and heavy rain today.  Please be weather aware and stay safe by avoiding getting too near, or going in, the water. Yesterday evening (February 15) we were called to assist Kent Police with a report of a person on a small boat in difficulty on the River Medway at around 5.10pm.  An RNLI lifeboat from Sheernes and Medway coastguard rescue team were sent out in very difficult conditions. Fortunately the person was taken onto the lifeboat safe and well.  Ben Hambling, Maritime Operations Controller said: “Conditions were very challenging and this person was lucky that we were able to reach them. The strong winds and heavy rain we are currently experiencing are meaning the water can be a dangerous place to be.  Please don’t take any unnecessary risks that could put yourself, and emergency services, in danger. If you do see someone in difficulty on the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

HM Coastguard coordinated an extensive search today (February 15) after receiving a report of a potential man overboard. A coastguard helicopter from Lydd, a coastguard rescue team from Margate, RNLI lifeboats from Ramsgate and Margate, a Kent police RHIB and a Royal Navy vessel were all involved in the search, which was carried out in very rough seas and challenging conditions. A call, reporting a possible man overboard, came in from a boat off Margate Harbour at around 5.41am. At around 1pm, after many hours of searching, a body was sadly found in the water by the RNLI Margate lifeboat and was brought to shore.