As excitement builds for the new sailing season, minimise the risk of shakedown cruise glitches and common mistakes with this handy guide.
coastguard
Fatal Seadogz RIB crash in Southampton Water was “an accident waiting to happen”
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has concluded that a fatal RIB accident, which killed a teenager, "would likely not have happened had the trip been conducted in line with industry…
Jail for RIB driver who crashed into a buoy, causing the death of a passenger
RIB driver Morgan George Smith, 21, of Northampton is now serving a three-year jail sentence for gross negligence manslaughter
No midday Shipping Forecast broadcast on weekdays
From April this year, the Shipping Forecast will be broadcast twice a day on weekdays and three times a day on weekends.
Riders of jet skis who drive recklessly could face a two year jail term under new laws
From 31 March 2023, anyone caught driving jet skis, speed boats and other recreational and personal watercraft dangerously could face up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine
“My 38ft yacht was disappearing over the horizon” – a PBO reader makes chase!
Tony Preedy relives a frightening episode from a cruise in Mallorca when his Vancouver 38P, Wild Bird was unintentionally cast adrift while he dined ashore.
New codes of practice to improve fishing safety introduced
From today (23 October), three new codes of practice have been introduced to improve safety for everyone in the fishing industry
Watch: Coastguard warning after a tombstoner is rescued
The UK Coastguard has released a video of the rescue of a young tombstoner in Flamborough, Yorkshire as a warning to others. It comes as parts of the UK prepare…
UK Coastguard reminds sailors to have the correct communication equipment on board
The advice comes after a French boat sent out multiple VHF DSC Distress alerts to the UK Coastguard which were unable to raise a response from the crew
Channel changes coming – are you ready?
Boat owners, shipping companies and anyone who puts out to sea need to make sure they’re ready for the changeover of some VHF channel numbers used to contact UK Coastguard.…
Coastguard helicopter locates disorientated sailor after storm
The yachtsman, en route from Great Orme Head to the Mull of Galloway, could see that he was about 10 miles from the coast but could not say exactly where.
Eight large pipes ‘under guard’ off the East Anglian coastline
There are 12 sections of pipe overall, with four beached, and eight 'secured and under control' off the East Anglian coastline, with guard vessels in attendance.
Elderly solo sailor rescued after yacht runs aground
An elderly solo sailor was rescued, with suspected mild hypothermia, after his 32ft yacht suffered engine failure and ran aground on rocks off Bognor Regis.
Long-range rescue of French yachtsman in the Atlantic
A French sailor has been safely rescued from a sinking yacht in the middle of the Atlantic after an oil tanker made a five-hour diversion to save him.
Damaged yacht aground in Jaywick – please stay away
UK Coastguard: We do not want anyone to risk injuring themselves. Police and other authorities are aware of the wreck and deciding the best way to remove it.
Sinking yacht rescued 60 miles off the Cork coast
Ballycotton RNLI launched their all-weather lifeboat following the report of an EPIRB activation, approximately 60 miles off the Cork coast.
Witness appeal after laser pen is pointed at Coastguard helicopter
Police Scotland is appealing for witnesses following an incident involving a Coastguard search & rescue helicopter at around 10.40pm on Wednesday 12 July 2017.
Solo sailor’s Mayday call sparks rescue operation
A Mayday call was made from a single-handed 9m yacht that was taking on water seven miles north-west of St Agnes, Cornwall.
UK Coastguard helicopter makes 500-mile mercy dash to rescue unwell yachtsman
The UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter made a 530-mile round trip yesterday to rescue a desperately unwell yachtsman in the Atlantic Ocean.
Sailors rescued after storm hits OSTAR fleet in north Atlantic
Four yachts competing in the OSTAR and TWOSTAR fleet have been rescued after a storm struck in the north Atlantic.