Incidents
Logging and identifying vessels is an essential part of the role of an NCI Watchkeeper. It enables us to respond quickly and with confidence when a vessel gets into trouble or we receive a call from the Coastguard asking for information about a particular vessel. Watchkeepers typically log each year 7000-8000 vessels of all shapes and sizes, from warships to rowng boats.
Incidents are logged and classified either as 'nationally reported', which generally means an incident involving the Coastguard, or 'locally reported' for less significant incidents such as calling an ambulance in a non-life-threatening situation.
Watchkeepers have recorded 78 incidents since January 2015 of which 7 have been recorded in 2024 so far.
Incident Reports (August 2024 - June 2023)
Incident Date
Incident Report
Reported
18th August 2024
Call to Lookout landline from mobile phone. Skipper of speed boat said he had run out of fuel and asked what he should do. Watchkeeper ascertained that they were well and knew their position. Advised to call HMCG on 999. HMCG initiated a Pan Pan. Visual of casualty vessel obtained using Pan Pan information. Visual watch maintained. Vessel taken in tow by Good Sam PWC and delivered to mooring buoy. Pan Pan ended.
National
3rd July 2024
Teignmouth NCI observed a dinghy in the harbour, with 2 persons onboard, drifting and unable to start engine. NCI contacted local lifeguards who deployed their jetski and attended the casualty. Engine was started and HM Coastguard informed who tasked the inshore lifeboat. The lifeboat towed the casualty back to the harbour.
National
18th April 2024
Cabin cruiser engine failure near rocks - dropped anchor and called HMCG who declared a Pan Pan. NCI contacted HMCG giving exact position and situation - All weather lifeboat tasked to take over tow from the local dredger working in the vicinity.
National
17th March 2024
Member of the public reported an unattended swimming bag on coast path. HMCG informed, and NCI asked to contact Police. Police initially advised no action, then attended and bag was gone.
National
16th March 2024
NCI observed an object in water. HMCG informed, but no incident raised. Local gig called NCI for radio check and was asked to investigate. Debris identified as fishing pot and marker. HMCG informed.
National
26th February 2024
Teignmouth NCI were contacted by HMCG on 26th Feb asking if we had sight of an upturned jet ski at given position in Labrador Bay which had been reported to them by a member of the public. Only thing visible at given location was the mussel beds. Exmouth AWL launched to search area and stood down when it was confirmed no sign of jet ski in area.
National
12th January 2024
Ambulance service and HMCG called by watchkeepers for member of public who had become unwell on the sea wall. Ambulance attended and casualty transferred.
National
Sunday 1st Oct 2023
HMCG made contact regarding report of yacht grounded on sandbank while leaving harbour. HMCG advised that yacht was already under observation and in no immediate danger. Continued to monitor until she broke free and headed to sea. HMCG advised accordingly.
National
12th July 2023
Watchkeepers spotted a jet ski with loss of power approx. half a mile out to sea, with the rider subsequently in the water. Contacted RNLI beach lifeguards who attended to assess the situation who confirmed loss of all power, they were unable to tow the broken down jet ski and contact was made with HMCG . The Teignmouth Two Annes launched at 17.22 to tow casualty to harbour. Rider of jet ski required no medical assistance
National
21st June 2023
Wed 21st Teignmouth watchkeepers alerted HMCG to concerns over the safety of 3 paddleboarders who were in danger being carried out of the estuary on an outgoing tide. HMCG then alerted the RNLA beach lifeguards who launched their jet-ski and ensured that the paddleboarders ,and snorkellers who were with them- made it safely back to the beach. All 5 were well, and no medical intervention was needed. Good ending to what could have been a nasty incident.
National
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