Swanage Coastguard Peveril Point 1951

The Coastguard lookout at Peveril Point dated around 1951. In front is a pillbox which was demolished in the 1980's

To the left is the gun emplacement which now supports the Coast Watch lookout.

The gale cone appears to be flown from the mast.

Washed up

We have had several reports of this buoy being washed up at the north end of the bay.

Its believed to be oceanographic buoy and the owners have been contacted in Canada who confirm its safe and contains nothing dangerous.

Sadly it's missing its important record number which could tell the owners where its come from.

Mean while the team were called out today to another strange item washed up at the end of the bay. At this time it would appear to be a large lump of lard however enquiries are continuing. These lumps have washed up in several areas in the south west and have made dogs ill so please bear in mind if walking on the beach.

Whilst not in this country a beach walker in Germany picked up what he thought was a yellow looking stone and put it in his pocket. This stone was in fact a piece of phosphorus and whilst in the gentleman's pocket caught fire and burnt him badly.

If you find something unusual on the beach please do contact the Coastguard. With these winter storms we have had many things come ashore.

A thank you

I must thank all of the Coastguard teams that attended my recovery from the cliff face on Saturday 18th January. My sincerest appreciation to you for my safe and swift recovery. Your concern and care for my wellbeing not only while I was on the cliff face but also once I was back on firm ground was fantastic.

Thank you the crew of Rescue Helicopter 106 and thanks to all of the voluntary Cliff Rescue Team who under the guidance of their team leader Ian Brown, instantly responded to the call out, giving up their own person time and commitments to come to my aid.

From the humbled and much embarrassed climber on the day.

Remember When...

....a group of schoolboys from Swanage Middle School did various activities in aid of the Mary Rose Trust?
If anyone recalls this event from approximately 1982, would they kindly put a picture in the local free weekly paper.
Preferably Page 17.
Top left if poss.

Thanks.

Don't get caught by the tide

There has been some small movement in the cliff at the north end if the bay.

There is a risk of walkers being cut off if there is a high tide.

Helicopter landing at Anvil Point

A few more photos from yesterday's incident.

Both Swanage and St Albans Coastguard Teams prepared for a rescue using their rope rescue equipment.

Rescue 106 from Portland lands at Anvil Point having safely picked the climber up.

Climber stuck at Anvil Point Swanage.

Just after 13.30, Portland Coastguard received a 999 call from the emergency phone at Anvil Point stating a climber was stuck at the base of the cliff.

Portland tasked the full Swanage Coastguard team, Rescue 106 from Portland and the St Albans Coastguard to support the possible rope operation.

On arrival at Anvil Point the Swanage team established the location and started to set up their equipment. Rescue 106 arrived and assessed the situation. With the Coastguard Rescue teams on standby the winch man was lowered and secured the climber.

Rescue 106 (The keen eyed will see this is Romeo Delta using the callsign, not Whiskey Bravo)

Having safely recovered the climber to the aircraft the Coastguard set up a landing site to allow the helicopter to land. The climber was dropped off and checked over by the team, before being taken to the Coastguard station to warm up.

Helicopters - know your chopper.

This blog is for a member of the team...

This is a fan... 

It spins around and goes 'whirr'.

This is not a fan - it is the helicopter's tail rotor. 

It spins around and goes 'whop whop whop'.

Storm Clouds over Ballard

Guess who is 192 years old.

No not Eric !

HM Coastguard celebrated 192 years of Service yesterday, and with those number of years there is quite a bit of history.

The station in Swanage was a little later in starting arriving in 1842.