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.
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.
[block_2]
For emergencies at sea, contact the UK Coastguard by dialling 999 or using a VHF radio on channel 16.
