Walker rescued west of Anvil Point

 

A walker enjoying a dry day , slipped west of Anvil Point this morning. 

Both Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams were tasked to assist and bring the walker to safety. 

With the assistance of the County Park Rangers the walker was stretched to a vehicle and then to a warm place of safety to wait for an ambulance.  The Coastguard teams provided first aid until the arrival of a critical care team tasked due to the injuries which were believed to be a fracture and dislocation. 

The coastal path remains very wet and muddy and care should be taken following the recent weather. 

999 Coastguard. 

History turns back up

 

The team were called out yesterday (Wednesday) after a member of the public out walking discovers an object on the beach and was concerned it was a piece of ordnance. 

The item was discovered at South Beach Studland after the recent storms took more of the cliff line away. 

The person reported their find to the National Trust who cordoned off part of the beach and contacted the emergency services. 

The Coastguard team attended and took measurements and photos which were sent to the bomb disposal team to assess. 

Due to the darkness and location the item was marked and the team were requested to attend in the morning again.  The team attended and confirmed the item was still there.  A bomb disposal team from the Royal Navy attended from Portsmouth and assessed the item. 

Thankfully the item was discovered only to be part of a previous piece of ordnance and no longer contained anything dangerous.  The item was removed to ensure it caused no further calls. 

The experts considered this to be part of a previously detonated World War Two parachute mine.  A mine was detonated in Swanage bay in 2009 after being discovered by divers.  It was believed to have been dropped on the approach to Poole harbour in the 1940’s.  Back in 2009 a Royal Navy team denoted the found item and this may have been part of that device. 

Slip watch 2023

 

The consequences of the recent storms have started to impact our coast line. 

After heavy rain and rough seas the team were called out again this morning to look at the cliffs and report on any slips. 

Several slips have happened in the Burlington Chine area with a wall collapsed and also below Highcliffe Road. 

 At present small areas have been cordoned off for safety with the areas being monitored for the next few days. 

There still remains a lot of debris in the water to the north of the bay so for swimmers and surfers please take care. 

In a coastal emergency call 999 and ask for Coastguard. 

Land Slip

 This evening the team have been tasked to investigate a landslip below Highcliffe road. 

Following the recent bad weather a rock fall was located behind the beach huts. 

Further up towards Burlington Chine a further slip was discovered and part of a wall has collapsed. 

The area has been cordoned off until daylight and a better assessment can be made. 

We would ask people to be careful in these areas and in an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

Sea defence

 

Today the team assisted the council in restoring the sea defences follow Storm Ciaran hit the UK. 

Over night several very large concrete blocks were pushed out causing gaps for the sea to breech at the next tide. 

The team provided a cordon to allow a safe working area with the work completed in time for the high tide. 

The team then checked the beach area to check what was being washed up and located this debris from the beach huts staging.  With sea conditions bad the council removed this later in the day. 

If you go down to the beach

 

If you are heading to the beach , please take care. 

The recent storms and the one due this week is throwing up some debris having claimed some beach huts this week. 

There has and will be some large waves and if you are walking on the beach please take care as this can sweep you off your feet. 

We are also aware the steps at Sheps Hollow have been damaged and there is an increase risk of land slips at the north of the bay. 

In an emergency dial 999 and ask for Coastguard. 

Lucy’s Tale

 Coastguard teams from Swanage and St Albans were tasked yesterday at 17.30 to a report of a dog stuck on the cliff at Ballard Down. 

Lucy a cross breed ran up the cliff whilst walking with her owners and got stuck about 150 ft up. The teams proceeded to Ballard and set up the rope equipment to put a Coastguard Rescue Officer down the cliff. Faced with heavy undergrowth to the cliff face, the teams spent an hour clearing a path to get to the cliff edge.  A Coastguard Officer was lowered down the cliff to search for Lucy. 

Due to the rising tide the Coastguard and owner at the base of the cliff had to returned to Sheps Hollow and Swanage RNLI ILB was requested to provide safety cover and eyes on the bottom. 

Despite a very technically demanding rescue attempt , Lucy could not be persuaded to come to the Coastguard and due to the terrain the rescue attempt was stopped and the Coastguard officer recovered and the lifeboat stood down. 

But the tale didn’t end there. 

Most the of the Coastguard team returned to the station but two went to get their cars from the Ballard Estate.  Whilst there , Lucy suddenly appeared and ran past them.  Trying to follow Lucy the rest of the team deployed to help who had now got to Shore Road.  Despite gallant efforts of capture, Lucy made it past and disappeared into town.  

The team continued to search the town with some heading to the home address and sure enough five minutes later Lucy made it home and sat at the gate waiting for her owner to come back!!!!! 

Finally all reunited the team returned to the station five hours after it all started. 

Lucy , finally home after 5 hours. 

Late night search locates collapsed male

 Coastguard teams from Swanage and St Albans along with Police and Ambulance crews were tasked to search the northern end of Studland beach last night for a person collapsed. 

The Coastguard helicopter from Lee on Solent was also tasked to assist the search using its thermal camera. 

The Coastguard teams were guided by the helicopter to the location and then they provided care to the 86 year old until the ambulance arrived. 

Having been assessed the casualty was then carried out to the beach using a stretcher before being transported to the ambulance parked on the road. 

Rescue 175 from Lee on Solent illuminated the area to allow Coastguard teams to treat the injured male. 

Milo rescued from the cliff

 Swanage, St Albans and Kimmeridge Coastguard teams were tasked yesterday to the Downs after Milo the dog took a trip over the edge and ended up about 70ft below. 

The Coastguard teams came together to set up their rope equipment and sent a Coastguard Rescue Technician down with the specialist dog equipment.  Milo a black Labrador was out for a walk with their owner when he decided to take a path over the cliff. 

Milo was safely recovered from a ledge and brought back to their very grateful owners. 

During the incident the Kimmeridge team were tasked to the Arne area to assist South Western Ambulance with a medical incident. 

Milo safely back at the top which his owner 

The Coastguard team deploying down the cliff to rescue Milo. 

Suspicious item on Swanage beach

 

A metal object on the beach near the Mowlem saw the team tasked to investigate the item and send photos to the military for assessment this afternoon. 

Working with the Town Council a small 50metre cordon was put in place to protect the scene whilst photographs were sent for a detailed assessment. 

An EOD team assessed the photos taken of the object and confirmed they were happy this was not an explosive device. 

The item was removed from the beach to stop further calls and was taken away by the Council. 

We would like to thank the public for their assistance whilst a small area was closed for safety reasons. 

Medical emergencies at Dancing Ledge and Studland

A busy Sunday morning for the local Coastguard teams. 

The Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams were tasked at 10.40 to Dancing Ledge and a report of a young male having a medical incident on one of the  ledges. 

The teams collected an ambulance crew on route and were soon on scene to start treating the male before a decision was made to stretcher him out of the old quarry to a vehicle and then to the ambulance. 

As this incident was coming to a close a further serious medical incident was reported on Studland beach. St Albans and Kimmeridge Coastguard teams proceeded with Swanage following shortly afterwards.  The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Lee on Solent “Rescue 175” was tasked also along with South Western Ambulance. 

On arrival at Studland the teams set up a landing site on the beach to allow the helicopter a safe landing area. 

After a period of checks the Paramedics were happy to transport the female by road which released the helicopter.  The Coastguard teams assisted with the transports back to Knoll Beach and the ambulance. 

Finally just as the Swanage team were leaving Studland they were made aware of some possible kayakers in trouble off Old Harry and went to investigate.  Thankfully on arrival at Old Harry the group were safely ashore. 

Woody takes a trip over Ballard

 

During Thursday afternoon , Coastguard teams from Swanage , St Albans and Kimmeridge were tasked to Ballard Down to a report of “Woody” the dog having gone over the cliff. 

Arriving on scene the owner was located who confirmed the dog was just over the edge on a small ledge before a large drop. 

During the incident Woody could be heard barking and with concern that the ledge was small , the Coastguard teams started to work a safe plan to set up the rope equipment to send a Coastguard safely over the cliff to recover the dog. 

Suddenly with the owner calling to Woody there was huge relief when over the cliff came the dog without assistance back to their owner. 

With a cool drink for all those on scene and a check over Woody and owner thanked all those who turned out for the rescue.  

In a coastal emergency dial 999 - Coastguard

Paddle board at Middle Beach

The Coastguard team and Poole lifeboat were tasked this evening to a paddle-boarder who was swept out from middle beach Studland. 

A 999 call to the Coastguard saw the team and lifeboat head to Studland reporting a female on a board heading towards the shipping channel. 

The Coastguard team arrived and met the person reporting the incident and the partner of the paddle boarder before guiding the lifeboat to them.  The lifeboat crew carried out a medical check before bringing them back ashore. 

With some safety advice and a final check the team departed back to station and Poole lifeboat returned to Poole. 

See someone in trouble 999 Coastguard

When the wind blows

 A very busy day for the Coastguard not only in Swanage and Studland but right across Dorset today (Sunday). 

The patrol were at Studland when the strong offshore wind started to cause problems with several incidents in very quick succession. 

They spotted two inflatable kayakers struggling off Studland and via the control room requested lifeboat assistance.  Poole RNLI lifeboat was tasked to bring them ashore. As the lifeboat arrived a further large paddle board with four people on it was spotted also struggling so again the lifeboat was tasked to assist. 

Two people were then spotted on a double kayak in the main shipping channel were then assisted and brought ashore to the team. 

The full team were then requested for a medical incident at Studland and with a very busy ferry road the team arrived to assist the ambulance crew. 

Both Swanage RNLI lifeboats and the Rescue helicopter from Lee on Solent ‘Rescue 175’ were tasked to Swanage bay for two  young men blown out towards Ballard Point. The Coastguard team proceed to Ballard Down to search from the high ground when news came in that a local boat owner had located the pair and with the help of the ILB brought them ashore to the Mowlem to be met by the Coastguard team. 

Whilst this was happening other members of the Coastguard team had stayed in Studland and spotted another paddle board with two ladies on board being blown out to sea at Knoll Beach.  With the help of a local boat owner the pair were brought ashore for some safety advice. 

The team regrouped back at Studland and again a further paddleboarder was assisted ashore with the strong wind at a knoll beach.

Having been out for nearly five hours the team stood down however just before 8pm both Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams and RNLI lifeboats were tasked to the Stone Quay for a report of a person in the water.  After some enquires and eye witness accounts it was confirmed they were safe. 

A lot of safety advice was given out today with regard the strong offshore wind and equipment when using paddle boards.  In a maritime emergency dial 999 and ask for Coastguard. 

A little piece of history

 

With the antiques roadshow being filmed in Swanage this week, a short story about some of our history turning up a few months ago. 

It started with a “something for you” card  from the post office in our letter box.  On arrival at the post office there was a parcel wrapped in brown paper addressed to Swanage Coastguard. 

On opening, an old station log was found dating back to between 1920 and 1940 covering the Studland Bay area which formed part of the former Swanage division in those days. 

Inside are details of several rescues in the area during that period which is a fascinating insight into HM Coastguard nearly 100 years ago. 

The information is slowly being collated and we hope to bring some of those details in the future. 

So to the anonymous sender, thank you we don’t know your connection or where it was located, but it is now safe and helps us piece together our history. 

Two serious incidents

 A call to the chain ferry and then to Dancing Ledge saw the team working with partner agencies today. 

The first call saw the team sent to the chain ferry after a report of a car running down the slipway.  Thankfully the owner was reported safe having got out the vehicle before it rolled forward. 

The team stood by with Poole Coastguard attending the north side of the harbour.  The car remained afloat for a while before sinking.  The chain ferry service was suspended for a period of time until the location of the car was confirmed. An operation has seen the car now recovered. 

As that incident was on going the team were retasked to Dancing Ledge to a report a male with a lower leg injury having fallen.  Along with St Albans Coastguard, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, South Western Ambulance , Dorset Police and both Swanage RNLI lifeboats the male was treated before being airlifted by the air ambulance to a field about Dancing Ledge and a waiting ambulance. 

Sun brings call-outs

This weekend saw the team called to seven incidents. 

On Saturday evening the first incident was to assist South Western Ambulance with a serious medical incident on the ferry road.  

Shortly after the first incident a member of the public reported someone in distress in the water off Studland beach. The team proceeded and carried out a search for the male who was quickly located in the dunes suffering another serious medical episode.  With the assistance of an ambulance crew and police the male was safely transported to hospital for treatment. 

On Sunday the patrol were  tasked to a report of a small boat hitting the chain ferry. On arrival it was confirmed the boat had been towed clear of the chain ferry and towed  back to Poole. The patrol were then tasked to Old Harry to search for an overdue jet ski whilst Kimmeridge Coastguard also on patrol attended the sea front to liaise with the family reporting the incident.  Shortly on arrival it was confirmed everyone was safe and turned up.  Finally due to the high fire risk the patrol were tasked to Shell Bay and a report of a large BBQ.  

Monday and with a strong easterly wind the team were tasked to check on the welfare of a small dinghy and its owner after it capsized off Studland beach.  Having confirmed the owner was safe the team assisted with the recovery of the boat back to Knoll beach.  This incident showed the importance of wearing a lifejacket even in shallow water as the owner fell out of the boat in the rough conditions. 

As the team were leaving Knoll beach a swimmer was seen struggling getting ashore and was checked in the slightly rough sea. 

See a Coastal emergency- 999 Coastguard 

Yacht towed into Poole Harbour

 

Today’s patrol monitored a yacht being towed by Poole Lifeboat this afternoon.  

The yacht has suffered a mechanical fault and then became becalmed close to the shipping channel.  Solent Coastguard requested the Lifeboat out on exercise to assist whilst the patrol who were close by monitored the situation. Once safely back in the harbour the patrol returned to station. 

Active Landslip

 The team were called to north of Sheps Hollow after a report of a landslip. 

On arrival the slip was still quite active with debris rolling on to the beach.  The team along with local Dorset Council rangers put up additional signage warning of the dangers. 

This is quite active still and at times due to the tide there could be a risk of being cut off.  Please stay clear of the base of the slip and ensure dogs and people don’t climb on any slip. 

The beach remains open at present. 

 In an emergency dial 999 and ask for Coastguard. 

Boat Fire

 Emergency Services were tasked to Arne just after 6pm this evening to multiple 999 calls to the Coastguard that a RIB was on fire. 

The Swanage team were returning from a previous incident and tasked  with both Poole RNLI lifeboats, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service  and Poole Harbour Commissioners 

The three on board the RIB had managed to get ashore and were picked back up by the lifeboat suffering from shock and cold. They were return to the Poole Lifeboat Station to be looked after. 

The RIB was monitored by the Coastguard for pollution , along with the Fire service and a vessel from Poole Harbour Commissioners. 

There was little left as the fire has burnt the hull down to the water line. The Harbour vessel monitored to ensure there was no further pollution and what remained would not cause a hazard to other vessels. 

With the fire on the vessel finally out the tide covered what remained.  The harbour commissioners will return tomorrow to check what remains of the burnt out hill.  There was no further signs of pollution. 

This was the second incident of the day for the team having dealt with a medical incident in Durlston Country Park.  

Training with HEMS

Tuesday evening was spent on the Cliffs at Old Harry practicing Rope Rescue and Joint Emergency services working. This week we were joined by Critical Care Paramedics and Doctors from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. This gave us the opportunity to show them our Rope Rescue Capabilities and to explain how our systems work and how, during an incident, we can deploy them to the bottom of the cliff on our Rope Rescue systems in an Accompanied Decent .

..this enables us to take untrained people over the cliff to the scene of an incident where they can provide potential life saving treatment.  It was a really enjoyable evening  training with the helicopter emergency medical service ( HEMS) where we discussed working together and different scenarios. 

No Parking at any time

 

For some , signage is just not applicable. 

Our patrol yesterday was checking access and routes in case of emergencies and located this car next to a sign saying “NO PARKING AT ANYTIME” 

These signs are there for a reason and makes access for residents and emergency services difficult. 

We left a note on the vehicle just to make sure they understood the problem. 

Awards Night

 

Last Friday the team finally got together to recognise some team members for long service and other commitments to HM Coastguard. 

The event had been postponed several times due to COVID and operational reasons but finally everyone got together to reflect on a combined service of eighty years for three team members. 

Station Officer Ian Brown (32 years service) and Steve Lacey ( 31 years service ) received long service awards whilst Eric Hudson received his 20 year long service medal. 

Kerry Jury was awarded a Chief Executives Health and Safety award for a critical change to a process in HM Coastguard rope rescue equipment. 

Copies of the recent RNLI letter for a rescue in Poole were presented  to the team members who attended the incident 

Finally the Swanage Coastguard Team member of the year presented in the memory of Mike ‘ Spike ‘ Williamson was awarded to our Senior Coastguard Operations Officer Allan Norman. Allan has supported the team through some difficult times and supports the team often without acknowledgement so the team turned the tables and awarded this special award to him for 2022 

The awards were presented by Tom Wright Area Commander for Dorset and Hampshire

Climber airlifted to safety

 A climber has been airlifted to safety after suffering a shoulder injury climbing to the west of Anvil Point. 

The incident started just after 14.30 on Wednesday 15th when two Coastguard Rescue Teams and both Swanage RNLI lifeboats  were tasked to the climber. 

Arriving on scene the lifeboat crew managed to get ashore in rough sea conditions and provided first aid.  Due to conditions it was deemed not safe to take the climber off  the base of cliffs by boat so a Coastguard was lowered over the cliff to consider if recovery by cliff was safe using a stretcher however due to several overhangs and the climbers injury it was deemed safer to request the Coastguard helicopter. 

Rescue 175 from Lee on Solent was tasked and airlifted the climber back to the top of the climber to waiting ambulance crews.  After an assessment the climber was released to make their own way to hospital. 

Teams , lifeboats and the helicopter were able to leave just after 18.00. 

A nights training

 

The team continued their training schedule this week with a casualty evacuation scenario on the beach. 

With a medical incident to start with the scenario developed to moving the “casualty” to a safe position and then back to the road. 

Coastal emergency - 999 Coastguard 

Coastguard Teams recognised for incident

 

Three Coastguard Teams were recognised last week at Poole RNLI Lifeboat station for a joint rescue last August. 

Swanage, Southbourne and Poole Coastguard teams were presented with a Lifeboat Operations Managers letter for exceptional service. 

“We are writing to express our thanks for your participation in a service call that saw a joint operation with Poole Lifeboat Station relief D-Class Marjorie Boneham, responding to a concern for welfare”. 

On the night of the 3rd August 2022 the teams, lifeboat and helicopter were tasked by Solent Coastguard to assist the ambulance service in the area of Hamworthy Park. 

Whilst undertaking a search the inshore lifeboat was directed by the Coastguard Rescue Team to a faint light, subsequently concluded to be the casualty’s phone.  During the transit the lifeboat saw a person in the water struggling and were able to bring them aboard and rapidly transit back to shore to the ambulance. 

This has subsequently been recognised by the RNLI as a life saved. 

This service is a great demonstration of outstanding teamwork of both afloat crew and shore-based agencies and is consistent with the overall professionalism and approach to your roles as Coastguard volunteers. 

Penny the Spaniel

The Coastguard team have just returned from the first call out of the year after a report of a dog fallen at Old Harry Rocks

On arrival the owner reported the dog had fallen from the right side of Old Harry but swam round to the left side where she was sat at the base of the cliff. 

With the tide out the Coastguard team requested the launch of the Swanage Inshore Lifeboat as it would be safer than deploying a rope technician to the base of the cliff.

 

The Coastguard monitoring the situation from the top of the cliff  ensuring the public didn’t lean too far over the cliff to see what was was happening. 

The Coastguard team lowered the dogs collar and lead down the cliff to the lifeboat crew as often this helps calm the dog before being approached. 

The lifeboat crew approached Penny and soon safely recovered her to the boat for a short trip to South Beach and a reunite with her owner. 

Penny was a little cold and shocked after her ordeal and was being taken to a local vets to be checked after her 90ft fall. 

Please keep your dogs on leads near cliff edges.  In an emergency call 999 Coastguard.