Helicopter Assistance at Durlston

The team has been back in action today assisting an elderly gentleman who'd lost his footing and taken a tumble whilst out walking the Coast Path, and who'd become faint as a result.

Arriving before the medical services, the team stabilised the gentleman and set about checking him over for any physical injuries as well as monitoring his general condition.

The team prepped the stretcher in readiness for a carry out of approx two thirds of a mile, but when it became apparent that the ambulance might be delayed, Rescue Helicopter 175 was despatched along with its winchman paramedic.   The winchman made further checks and although he could find nothing untoward, it was agreed that the gentleman should be assessed in the ambulance which had by now arrived at Anvil Point lighthouse.

skillful work from the helicopter pilot to land on one wheel on the side of a hill, yet keep the machine level

Rather than physically carry the gentleman a fair distance over tricky terrain the helicopter made a single wheel 'light' landing on the sloping hillside sufficient to quickly load the stretcher aboard, and the casualty was then flown the short distance to the ambulance.

Thanks to Steve Richards and Iain Fraser for the photos

Our thanks go to Dorset Police who assisted us on scene today, and to the Dorset Police Rib which relayed our channel 0 VHF communications to the UK Coastguard from its waterborne position below us.

Coffee and Cake

The team was tasked to two more incidents at Durslton yesterday, bringing the incident count to 5 in 4 days in what's turning out to be a busy spell for the volunteers.

We're a fairly straightforward bunch who do not ask for much, but when the owner of the Seventhwave Restaurant at Durslton Castle brought us out cakes and a tray of coffee, who were we to refuse?

Service with a smile!

Its support like this that keeps us going through tougher times and is very much appreciated.  Thankyou!

The new trailer proves its worth!

The Jurassic coast

A view of the cliffs in Durlston Bay today from one of the team

Landslip warning

If you saw this sign , what would you do?

Turn back and follow the instructions or ask the Coastguard patrol if its safe to carry on ?

Then despite the warning sign and words of advice from the Coastguard you choose to ignore and carry on in the hope you and your family don't get hurt.

Of course it's only advice until an accident occurs and then...........







This is a recent fall and the Country Park wardens asked if the area could be taped off until another survey could be carried out on Monday.





We taped the area off at the request of the wardens , it's there for a reason not to be ignored. Whilst the slip has occurred there may be further movement which could put you and others at risk.





Please take notice of signs, tape and barriers - it's there to protect you ,not to spoil your day.

We can confirm this is in the Zig Zag area of Durlston.

In an Coastal or Maritime Emergency - 999 Coastguard

All washed up

With reports in the southwest of items being washing up on beaches, a little check of Durlston took place.

Durlston does get its fair share of items washed up but as you can see not a lot was found.





conditions down to the bay are rather slippery and with the sea was rough so a full search wasn't carried out today.

Remember is you find anything suspicious , drums or hazards please contact the Coastguard via 999

Rest and admire

The team have all had a busy week so finally a patrol got out today.

So when this was found in the wall at Durlston, this is what what was found.  After lots of rain the paths are muddy and slippery in places.


The view looking toward Peveril , Old Harry and Bournemouth

Dog fall 90ft near Anvil Point

The Swanage Coastguard Team, St Albans Coastguard team and Swanage RNLI inshore lifeboat were tasked this morning to west of Anvil Point after a dog was reported fallen from cliffs.

On arrival the dog was reported in the water near to some climbers, the Inshore Lifeboat was soon on scene and managed to get the dog aboard their boat.




The lifeboat returned to Swanage and reunited the dog with its owner.




Pippa back at Durlston after her ordeal of falling off the cliffs.

We have heard tonight that nothing is broken following a visit to the vets.

Boulder Ruckle a warning to climbers

Storm damage to local sea cliffs.

It has been bought to our attention of a recent significant rockfall in the Marmolata area of the Boulder Ruckle.

A substantial sized boulder has fallen, affecting a climb called Tatra. The climb was graded at VS, but with most of the first pitch now no longer there, it has been up graded to an E1. The 'caravan sized' boulder that has come away may of also affected the start of the climbs either side of Tatra.

Climbers - it would pay to be very cautious around all coastal sea cliff this coming year, and assume there will be damage in other areas as a result of the recent big storms.
Please make sure you have the relevant experience and skill level to attempt any climbs on the more adventurous sea cliffs we have in our area. Where possible, leave your abseil rope in place as a possible means of retreat. Check local knowledge, and UKclimbing is also good for information.

Though if you do find yourself in difficulty raise the alarm and ask for the Coastguard. Please could we also ask, if you find any other local climbs have changed due to storm damage, to keep us informed, or let Durlston Country Park know of the changes. (and post the information on one of the climbing forums)

Small, impressive and stunning

It might be a small lighthouse.....(oh look Coastguard helicopter 104 flying past)




Impressive in the right light.




Stunning sun set tonight.

Durlston Castle - Wins Award

Well Done Durlston Castle !

Five go hunting in Durlston Bay

Like a story from Enid Blyton, five Coastguards go for a walk in Durlston Bay. A rocky beach and not easy to get about, the team had a good explore and checked the area to see if anything had washed up.

Action at Durlston Country Park

Rescue 106 at Tilly Whim Caves - Photo Dee Bowden

The IRT (Tom and Dee) were tasked this afternoon to Durlston Country Park after female took a fall and hurt her ankle. Due to the location Rescue 106 was brought in to assist the IRT and the Ambulance crew.

Durlston Country Park Rangers assisted in keeping the crowds back whilst the helicopter was on the ground.

A load of Bollards

An early morning patrol today due to Mothers Day (get out and back before the ladies in the house have got out of bed).

Part of the reason we carry out patrols is to check access routes and here at Durlston we thought we would try the new key out and work out how the bollards work.

Tom thought you unlocked them and pulled, Roger (well trained in the building of such things) unlocked, twisted and pushed down. The Station Officer just thought it was amusing that someone was pulling and the other pushing!

So another important lesson learnt and it was off to test the breakfast facilities at one of the local cafes.

Training at Durlston

Durlston - The Views

The really special reason why Durlston Castle is so special and why the project was so important.

Durlston Castle - the truth

There was reference to me and biscuits yesterday........totally untrue. BUT THE CAKE WAS GREAT !

Durlston Castle

Yes, Coastguard Oscar was right I was at Durlston Castle today to see the opening of Durlston Castle after a massive project to repair it.

It does'nt really matter what hat I wear.....everyone thinks Im there as a Coastguard !

The final touches were being made but it should be open to the public over the weekend and I do recommend a visit to see what has been done and the views from the observation decks.

Well done to everyone involved in the project.

Ian's on a Jolly - Durlston Castle Opens.

Ian is up at the VIP opening of Durlston Castle. Not sure if he is there in his capacity as a Coastguard or Councillor.

Either way there is no doubt he'll be putting the chocolate Hob Nobs away at an alarming rate. At a push he can eat his own weight in biscuits in one hour. (Note to Security: Check his pockets for biscuits before he leaves)

Anyway with the project complete it opens to everyone at 10:00am tomorrow . Sadly there will be no VIP biscuits.

Mile Markers

Vistors to the Anvil Point area of Durlston County Park may be surprised to see two tall, metal posts high on the hill facing out to sea. These mark the eastern limit of a ‘Measured Mile’ and an identical set of markers can be seen exactly one nautical mile to the west. The mile starts when the two posts are exactly lined up one behind the other when viewed from the sea and finishes when same hapepns at the other end.

© Copyright Nigel Mykura and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
Despite advances in technology, ships still use the markers for timed sea trials. To offset the effects of tide and weather, several journeys are made between posts to obtain an average reading.

A similar system exists on the Thames where pleasure craft can check their speed by passing two sets of markers. Under a minute to pass and they are breaking the 8 km/h river speed limit whereas a minute or over is OK. For the mathematically minded, 8 km per hour is the same as 133.3 metres per minute, so the markers are set 133m apart.

Although we use the Swanage mile markers as reference points when we need to, we don't get so many jobs on the Thames.

Durlston

Part of the Swanage Coastguard patch includes Durlston County Park. We have a lot of incidents up there ...not because it’s inherently dangerous, far from it, it’s just a lot of people visit.

Rightly so as it’s a lovely place to go walking.

“Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve, situated 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, is a fabulous 280 acre countryside paradise, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland. With stunning views, walking trails, the historic Great Globe, superb geology and fascinating wildlife there is always something different to see."

An amazing variety of wildlife, dolphins, puffins and peregrine falcons. It has cows too; big hairy brown ones with horns. (I may do a special feature on these cows tomorrow, if Ian can have Slipwatch, then I can have Cow-watch)

Durlston Country Park looking east towards Anvil Point Lighthouse

It’s free to visit and parking is a reasonable £1 for 2 hours weekdays or £2 for 2 hours weekends. There is a cracking walk down to the Anvil Point Lighthouse which opens its doors so you can have a look inside.

Meanwhile Durlston Castle is coming on a treat. It’s part of a Dorset County Council project to refurbish the premises to become the gateway to the Jurassic Coast. The project has been running for a number of years and I reckon that this year this place will become even more special and hopefully will receive the national recognition it deserves.

Well worth a look.