Jersey Coastguard responded to over 200 incidents last year

Thursday, 13 March 2025 13:00

Just over half of all incidents were reported by members of the public, the Coastguards most 'valuable resource'.

Jersey Coastguard says the public remains its most 'valuable resource', after responding to 210 incidents last year.

1 in every 5 callouts was because of equipment failure.

The second most common incident type was 'action with good intentions' - when a member of the public reports what they think is a person in difficulty.

They also saw a rise in callouts from people who had been cut off by the tide, 18 compared to 13 in 2023.

Elizabeth Castle Causeway is a common location for people getting cut off by the tide

Coastguard and VTS Manager, Phil Le Neveu, said:

"We might use this information to inform our safety campaigns, to increase the number of patrols, or to monitor specific areas with CCTV, for example, the Elizabeth Castle causeway, which is a common location for people being cut off by tides."

"We are always analysing and responding to emerging trends in search and rescue incidents, and we use this information to promote targeted and relevant safety messages."

The Air Rescue Drone Team became a declared search and rescue asset in 2024 for the first time.

The drones can be fitted with the equipment needed for different searches, including thermal night vision cameras, powerful search lights, audio, and power that enables unlimited flight time.

The volunteer team were sent to 23 emergencies in 2024.

Phil said the public is so important to the work they do:

"Search and Rescue organisations and assets play a crucial role, our most valuable resource is the public, who act as our eyes and ears around the shores and on the water.

"In 2024, just over half of all incidents were reported by members of the public.

"We would like to thank those people who reported potential dangers at sea."