The UK Coastguard coordinated the rescue of an experienced sailor 700 miles off the Irish coast after their mast snapped off in stormy conditions.
The Coastguard praised the experienced American sailor for having two properly registered emergency beacons, which had been his only method of communication.
The Coastguard’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) received two 406 distress beacon alerts from the yacht 700-miles west of Ireland on Friday evening.
The vessel had extensive damage and was drifting in very poor weather conditions.
Two aircraft and three vessels were tasked in “a lengthy and complex search and rescue mission”.
“The signals from the [406] EPIRBs were the only means we had of knowing where the sailor was and that he was in distress. All other communications methods had been destroyed during the event that led to his dismasting.”
“I’d really encourage anyone who sets to sea to carry an EPIRB and to register it with their national authority – in the UK that is HM Coastguard. An up to date registration means we have additional information to help with any rescue that’s required.”
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