Search and rescue figures for 2006, released today by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, show a small increase over the previous years figures.
However, the number of “maritime deaths” has increased by almost a quarter, from 100 to 124. This figure includes deaths occurring in areas of cliffs and beaches, as well as those involving people on boats.
The total number of incidents reported to the Coastguard in 2006 was 17,185 (16,754 in 2005). The total number of people rescued where life was at risk was 4,809 (up from 4,790), while the total numbers of people assisted (where life was not at risk) was 23,113 (22,477)
Of the total number of 371 deaths from all causes recorded by the Coastguard: 124 resulted from maritime accidents, 105 were suicides or suspected suicides, 68 were crime-suspected, 33 were due to natural causes, 30 resulted from accidents on land or were aircraft-related and 11 occurred outside the UK Search and Rescue Region
Chief Coastguard Peter Dymond said: "A whole range of factors contributed to the small rise in the number of incidents reported to the Coastguard and in the number of people who were assisted, not least, I believe, our own efforts to raise awareness of the Coastguard and the service it provides.
“These included our very high-profile safety campaigns reminding people to alert the Coastguard by calling 999 when things go wrong. The ready availability of mobile phones now makes it easier to alert the Coastguard and the exceptional summer weather in 2006 drew more people to the coast.
“However, we are concerned by the increase in maritime deaths. As part of our accident prevention strategy, we have already put in place several long-term initiatives and we will continue to seek better preventative measures.”
The Chief Coastguard also reported a worrying rise in false alarms:
"The number of hoax calls to Coastguard has risen yet again, resulting in the misuse of front line rescue units. This is a waste of public money, leads to unnecessary risk and diverts resources that might be required for a real incident. We will continue to work with the other emergency services to trace these calls and provide evidence to the police for prosecutions."
For more information visit www.mcga.gov.uk
