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May 1st, 2008, 18:25: All weather lifeboat launched to search for distress beacon
The All weather lifeboat was launched after Coastguards received a distress signal from an activated EPIRB (Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon) (example pictured) which was transmitting from the Blyth area. although the position indicated that hthe beacon was on land and likely to be a false alarm, all precautions have to be taken to ensure that no-one was in danger.
With the assistance of the Blyth volunteer lifeboat, Blyth Coastguard Rescue Team and the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, the direction finding equipment on the lifeboat together with the satellite signal given off by the EPIRB, a number of discarded beacons were found in a skip in Blyth harbour, one of which was transmitting its distress signal. After the offending equipment was disabled, the lifeboat returned to station.
Accidental EPIRB activation is immensely costly both in terms of time and money to the maritime search and rescue teams that are involved and can also divert resources away from genuine emergencies.
Anyone who is unsure about how to correctly dispose of an EPIRB should contact their local Coastguard rescue team.
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