Coastguard’s New Year Eve Rescue Turns Lighthearted

On New Year’s Eve, HM Coastguard Fleetwood received a call that initially sparked concern but quickly turned into a humorous incident. The team, responsible for a stretch of the Lancashire coast, was alerted to a potential emergency involving a person drifting in the water. However, upon arrival, they discovered that the “person” was actually a training dummy. This unexpected twist allowed the Coastguard to share a lighter moment with the community, showcasing their readiness and dedication to safety.

Unexpected Callout on New Year’s Eve

At 10:30 AM on December 31, HM Coastguard Fleetwood received a report about a person or a “person-shaped object” in distress off the coast. The informant described the situation as alarming, prompting the Coastguard to respond swiftly. The team arrived at the scene, located in a cove above Blackpool on the Irish Sea, ready to assist. Upon reaching the site, they were directed to the object in question. From a distance, it appeared to be a person in trouble, which raised immediate concerns.

However, as the team conducted a closer inspection, they quickly realized that the object was not a person at all. Instead, it was a dummy used for man-overboard drills by maritime training organizations. The Coastguard acknowledged that the sight was indeed concerning from afar, but they praised the informant for taking the right action by reporting the sighting. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance along the coast, as even a false alarm can lead to a prompt response from emergency services.

A Lighthearted Resolution

After confirming that the object was merely a training dummy, the Coastguard took action to prevent any further confusion. The officer in charge decided to send a rescuer into the shallow surf to retrieve the dummy. This decision was made to ensure that the object did not drift further ashore, potentially alarming beachgoers or causing panic. The team successfully recovered the dummy and brought it back to the promenade, where they ensured it did not require any further assistance.

Once the situation was resolved, the Coastguard team took the opportunity to lighten the mood. They posed for photos with the dummy and shared the images on social media, bringing a smile to their followers. This incident serves as a reminder of the Coastguard’s commitment to safety, even in unexpected situations. It also emphasizes the importance of community involvement in reporting potential emergencies. The Fleetwood team was relieved that the New Year’s Eve callout ended on a humorous note rather than a serious rescue operation.