A sailor’s innocent blunder led to unexpected interruptions on the Shetland Coastguard’s emergency distress channel as BBC Radio 4 programming played continuously for 12 hours. The mishap, which occurred near the Shetland Islands, saw episodes of popular shows like The Archers, Woman’s Hour, and Just a Minute inadvertently broadcast over the critical emergency frequency.
The incident prompted the Shetland Coastguard to reach out to the broadcaster for assistance after discovering that the distress channel, VHF channel 16, was intermittently blocked on February 5 due to the ongoing Radio 4 transmission. An email was sent out, requesting all vessels in the area to inspect their radio sets and ensure that no microphones were inadvertently activated.
Laura Kay, the team leader of Shetland Coastguard, recounted the unusual occurrence on Radio 4’s Broadcasting House program, explaining that Radio 4 programming was heard over the transmission for approximately 12 hours. She noted that while such incidents are rare, protocols dictate that if a radio station is heard, it can be contacted to broadcast a safety message.
Fortunately, despite the disruption, there were no reported incidents during the period when the emergency channel was compromised. However, the Coastguard emphasized the critical importance of keeping VHF Channel 16 clear for distress and urgency traffic exclusively. They urged mariners to regularly inspect their radio equipment to prevent accidental transmissions and ensure readiness for emergency situations.
This unusual incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise in maritime communication and underscores the necessity for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to maintain the integrity of emergency channels.
