Automatic emergency radio signal triggers launch of Alderney RNLI lifeboat
Alderney RNLI’s relief lifeboat launched just after 8.00am this morning (Thursday 19 May) at the request of Guernsey Coastguard, to join the Channel Islands Air Search plane in a precautionary search following receipt of an emergency radio signal.
The EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) transmission had been intermittent with no positive position. EPIRB transmissions occur, for example, when a life raft hits the water.
The RNLI lifeboat Corinne Whiteley searched between 1 and 1.5 miles off the southwest, south and east of the island. No further transmissions were received, nothing was sighted and the lifeboat was back on station shortly after 9.00am.
Media contacts
For more information contact Alderney RNLI volunteer press officer, Nigel Soane-Sands, on 07781 101 957 or [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.