A Search and Rescue helicopter belonging to HM Coastguard was involved in the search for an emergency beacon near Glasgow Airport this morning which, luckily, turned out to be an accidental activation.
HM Coastguard told me they received an alert from a registered Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) at approximately 9:00 am this morning in the Glasgow area.
https://twitter.com/geoallison/status/1623662267085557760
Upon receiving the alert, the authorities immediately launched an investigatory search to determine the source of the activation and ensure the safety of individuals in the vicinity. The EPIRB was successfully located and it was confirmed that there was no immediate threat to life.
A statement from HM Coastguard is as follows:
“HM Coastguard received an alert from a registered emergency beacon at approx. 9am today (9 February) in the Glasgow area. While authorities determined if the alert was from the maritime environment, the Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick conducted an investigatory search. The EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) was located and it was confirmed that no one was at risk.
HM Coastguard will always treat 406 Mhz beacon activation as genuine to prevent loss of life. HM Coastguard encourages responsible disposal of 406 Mhz beacons – such as EPIRBS – to prevent accidental activations. Owners can contact the UK Beacon Registry or the COSPAS-SARSAT website for advice on disposal and updating owner details.”
What is an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon?
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a safety device used to alert rescue services in the event of an emergency at sea. It is typically carried on board ships, boats, and other watercraft and is activated in the event of a vessel sinking, capsizing, or becoming disabled.
An EPIRB transmits a distress signal on a designated frequency monitored by search and rescue organisations, such as HM Coastguard, around the world. EPIRBs are equipped with GPS or other positioning technology, allowing for rapid and precise location information to be transmitted in the event of an emergency.
They are an essential piece of safety equipment for vessels operating in remote or hazardous environments and are required by international maritime regulations.
Reminds me of this
Jokes aside, I didn’t know the CG used the AW – had to check as it looks so similer to the AW149- 189 which is based on the AW149, which in my eyes strengthens the case for the AW149, due to commonality
It is contracted out to Bristow – they use a mix of AW189 & S92s
Yeah, I think it was outsourced in the mid-2000s, was renewed in 2015, and Bristow got the contract again last year.
Yeah this AW 189 is the civil variant of AW 149. They are also in Falklands.
So that’s why it was flying overhead this morning. Thanks, George. 😀
Just remembered that there is a small boat dealership in the area (of course, I’m unable to say if connected in any way to this incident).
There is also James fisher defence, submarine rescue service located in Inchinnon ind EST. Plus the marina at the swing bridge in Renfrew.
SOLAS Transponder set off by accident. Happens a lot.
Normally they release hydrostatically and then activate when a ship sinks alerting the authorities. Its lets say , not difficult to activate by accident when testing it or playing with it when you dont know what you are doing.
They had one in Dorchester go off years ago. The CG Helo from Portland hovering over their workshop in the industrial estate gave them the hint that something was up!