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Category: System Overview
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2025-03-27 | April 6th is 406 Day
Every year on April 6th, we celebrate 406 Day to raise awareness about the life-saving technology of 406 MHz distress beacons.
These devices use satellite networks to send emergency signals when people are in distress, helping rescue teams respond quickly and effectively.
Since September 1982, the Cospas-Sarsat System has helped rescue at least 65,000 people during 20,000 search and rescue events.
Whether you’re at sea, in the air, or exploring remote areas, carrying a properly-registered 406 MHz beacon could save your life.
✅ Spread the word. Stay prepared. Save lives.
#406Day #SearchAndRescue #BeRescueReady
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2025-03-25 | Be prepared and well equipped: Carry a PLB!
A New Zealand hiker was rescued after activating his PLB.
An Aviation SAR spokesman said, “My message is take a beacon! They’re a really good means of requesting help.”
Read more here:
https://southlandapp.nz/NewsStory/police-patrol-hunting-thefts-vandalism-miscalculating-beers/67e1e38bffe5f7002e29b6ba -
2025-03-25 | EPIRB leads to rescue from capsized fishing boat near Australia’s Rottnest Island
Before the sinking of his fishing boat, the captain grabbed his EPIRB and emergency flares, leading to his successful rescue.
Western Australia Police Force said his rescue is a “timely reminder” for those who go out in the water to “always wear a life jacket, and carry a registered and up to date EPIRB with GPS-enabled tracking to alert authorities to emergency situations.”
Read more here:
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/father-2-rescued-capsized-boat-024418835.html -
2025-03-25 | PLB instrumental in New Zealand mountain rescue, True Story of a Survivor
Injured hiker activates a PLB in the Kaweka Range, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand and a rescue helicopter arrived in less than an hour.
He advises,“Get a PLB now!”.
For more details see:
https://oceansignal.com/survivor-stories/a-critical-tool-in-the-mountains-how-the-rescueme-plb1-ensured-a-safe-rescue/ -
2025-03-20 | Beacon aids in Hurricane Helene Chaos – True story of a survivor!
In impossible conditions, activation of a PLB summons help, underscoring the life-saving importance of having reliable emergency communication, particularly in remote or dangerous conditions.
See link below for more details.
https://www.acrartex.com/survivor-stories/from-danger-to-safety-locator-beacons-role-during-hurricane-helenes-rescue/ -
2025-03-17 | Words of wisdom: Never go hiking without a PLB – True Story of a Survivor!
A New Zealand hiker uses PLB to call for assistance after a fall. For more information see:
https://www.acrartex.com/survivor-stories/a-mountains-challenge-the-day-a-rescue-beacon-saved-me/ -
2025-02-24 | Trends In Satellite-Based Search And Rescue Operations
Saudi Arabia, through the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), is set to host the South Central Data Distribution Region (SCDDR) meeting.
The event, in support of the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, will take place in Jeddah from Monday to Thursday, February 24-27.
Read more here:
https://www.onearabia.me/local/scddr-meeting-jeddah-satellite-search-rescue-011-100007.html -
2025-02-05 | Juice Tanker Crew Saves Boater From Burning Yacht Sinking In Atlantic Ocean
An unregistered 406 EPIRB signal alerted the Coast Guard Sector San Juan Command Center early Friday morning.
A tanker transporting refrigerated fruit juices diverted to the area, and its crew found the yacht engulfed in flames and rapidly sinking.
Acting quickly, the tanker’s crew launched their rescue boat and safely brought the crewman aboard.
Fortunately, he was unharmed in the ordeal.
Coast Guard officials credited the 406 EPIRB signal for alerting rescuers to the yacht’s location and praised the crew for their decisive actions.
They also discussed the importance of carrying proper emergency equipment like EPIRBs when sailing.
The AMVER program, created in 1958, is essential for global maritime safety. Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, the program allows participating vessels to assist in emergencies.
Commercial ships over 1,000 gross tons on voyages longer than 24 hours are encouraged to enrol, but private yachts and research vessels can also participate.
The juice transport vessel’s swift response is a testament to the importance of the AMVER network in saving lives at sea.
Read more here:
https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/juice-tanker-crew-saves-boater-from-burning-yacht-sinking-in-atlantic-ocean/ -
2025-02-05 | Fisherman survives by clinging to bow as boat sinks in freezing waters
The Royal Norwegian Air Force’s 330 Squadron was choosing between two possible routes for a planned training flight.
One minute after their training flight route was chosen, they received a call from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.
They were told about an emergency signal received from a 406 distress beacon activated nearby.
The pilots arrived within five minutes.
They found the fishing boat sticking about a metre above the water amid heavy waves and strong winds.
The fisherman stuck on the bow was winched up to the helicopter and told the rescuers that his colleague was in the sea.
About 300m from the vessel, they found the man barely managing to swim.
He was dressed in oilskins and boots and hadn’t had time to put a life jacket on because the accident had happened so quickly.
The squadron head said they would have taken an hour had the helicopter been stationed at its base in Lakselv as normal.
Mr Norderval said: “That was probably the decisive factor in one of them surviving.”
The immediate alert of the 406 beacon “allowed our rescue coordinators in Bodø – who received the signal via a satellite network we are part of – to quickly contact the rescue helicopter, enabling them to locate and hoist the two men to safety.”
Read more and see video footage here:
https://needtoknow.co.uk/2025/02/04/fisherman-survives-by-clinging-to-bow-as-boat-sinks-in-freezing-waters/