Fake 999 Call Sparks Major Swansea Coastguard Scramble
Mumbles Coastguard was plunged into chaos after a sudden cut-off during a call from the emergency phone at Three Cliffs Bay sparked fears of a tragedy. A second call from a nearby phone box claimed someone had plunged to their death—but no body was found. Now police suspect a nasty hoax.
Emergency Services Rushed In – For Nothing
The false alarms triggered a costly, multi-agency response at 5:40pm on Saturday. Police, firefighters, RNLI lifeboat crews, lifeguards, coastguards, and ambulance teams flooded the Swansea coastline, launching a huge search operation.
“On arrival the emergency phone was damaged and out of service,” said Mumbles Coastguard. Despite the frantic efforts, nothing was found. “With no further information or reports, this callout was assumed a hoax call and all assets stood down.”
Hoax Costs Thousands and Wastes Vital Resources
In a blunt Facebook post, Mumbles Coastguard slammed the prank, saying: “This behaviour has cost thousands of both taxpayer and volunteer funds, as well as many hours during an extremely busy bank holiday. It has taken valuable resources away from important taskings, disrupted holidaymakers, local businesses, and the lives of our team and partner services’ families.”
The emergency phone remains out of action while South Wales Police investigate the hoax.
Stepping Up Surveillance After Four Callouts
Mumbles Coastguard revealed they had responded to four callouts by Saturday afternoon alone, highlighting the toll such false alarms take on vital rescue services.
“We thank all those involved in the callout and express our extreme disappointment in this reckless behaviour,” they added.
