Hoax Rescue Call in Gosport Nearly Costs Lives
A cruel hoax callout in Gosport this morning put lives at risk and wasted vital emergency resources, warns an Independent lifeboat Coxswain.
Lifeboats Launch in Stormy Seas for False Alarm
At 10.40am on Sunday, lifeboats from the charity were scrambled amid fierce weather conditions after reports a child was in danger in Haslar Creek. With strong south-westerly winds gusting force seven, two-metre waves and heavy surf, the rescue mission was dangerous from the start.
The coastguard stood down the search at 11.30am, revealing the distress call was a malicious hoax.
Coxswain Slams Hoaxers for Putting Lives at Risk
“They could have put people’s lives at risk,” said GAFIRS senior coxswain Chris Rudd. “It’s deeply disappointing that someone would waste emergency services’ time in such terrible conditions.”
The lifeboat crew rushed to the scene within minutes, scanning the water and shores behind Gosport Rugby Club, around two miles from their station. The search also involved an all-weather lifeboat, a helicopter from Lee on the Solent, Hillhead shore-based coastguard team, and local police.
Coastguard and Police Crack Down on Hoaxers
A UK Coastguard spokesman from Fareham blasted the prank, saying: “Hoaxes like this tie up valuable resources and waste a great deal of time and money. We are glad it wasn’t a real child in the water.”
Two local teenagers are now being questioned by Hampshire Police over the incident.
