Lifeboat Crews and Coastguard Conduct Nighttime Rescue Between Deal and Broadstairs

A major search operation was launched off the Kent coast last night after an SOS signal was activated from a personal locator beacon (PLB).

Lifeboat crews and a coastguard helicopter were deployed to scour the coastline between Deal and Broadstairs after the distress signal was received shortly before 10 PM.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Initially, the helicopter was tasked with covering a 50-mile search area, which was later reduced to just five miles as search teams worked to pinpoint the beacon’s location.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) conducted a stepped shoreline search from Sandown Castle near Deal, up to North Foreland and back before the device was discovered ashore and the operation was called off.

A coastguard spokesperson explained the difficulties faced during the rescue mission:

“Due to it being a new crescent moon, the night was very dark, so the search was carried out using radar, searchlights, and the VHF direction finder in the calm sea.”

“A coastguard helicopter was launched to aid the search, alongside mobile teams, as it was uncertain whether the beacon had been activated in the sea or on land.”

At 12:30 AM, the personal locator beacon was successfully found by the helicopter.

Volunteer Crews’ Long Day of Operations

The RNLI Diamond Jubilee lifeboat crew, who had already spent the day in a training exercise, returned home exhausted after the extended mission.

“The volunteer crew of the Diamond Jubilee were glad to return home as it had been a long day. Earlier that day they had been on a training exercise and had only finished the session at 8 PM that night.”

What Are Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)?

PLBs are small emergency devices that send out a personalised distress signal to search and rescue services when activated. They can be used both at sea and on land, especially when mobile phone signals are unavailable.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the SOS activation was an accidental trigger or a genuine emergency, but no casualties have been reported.

Ongoing Safety Advice

Coastguard teams urge people who use personal locator beacons to store them securely and only activate them in true emergencies to avoid unnecessary search and rescue missions.

For emergencies at sea, contact the UK Coastguard by dialling 999 or using a VHF radio on channel 16.