DSC alarm wakes Pwllheli Marina - Get an epirb even a 121

[ShipsWoofy]

While sculling the tender back to the slip at 0030, the only sounds were the gentle sloshing of the oar and me whingeing at the crew to stop the dog (shipswoofy) from jumping about as he was upsetting the balance.

Then, the silence was broken, someone had, it seemed left their VHF turned on, volume down and forgotten it. The most almighty din of a DSC siren shattered the peace for it seemed about five minutes, before

A. drunk skipper was finally awoken and stumbled to the set
B. Someone cut the wires to the external speaker.....
C. Marina staff legged it down the pontoon with spare keys to boat.

I have heard of this happening dan sath and my word it really does get your attention even from 300 yds away!

We had the h/h with us so listened to quite a frightening scenario which was managed with skill and experience by Milford and Holyhead coastguards, Pwllheli and New Quay Lifeboats and Rescue 122 from RAF Valley.

The crew activated a 121MHz epirb which was immediately picked up at Kinloss? and then by the RAF helo. From listening to this I am more determined than ever to get an epirb, there was no messing, even Pwllheli lifeboat was getting an intermittent DF a few minutes after launching.

For the full story - MCA Newsroom Article

 

[Oldhand]

.. and just think that if everyone followed the advice of the anti-DSC brigade on these forums, not to install a DSC VHF, you wouldn't have known anything about it!

Sorry, couldn't resist the dig.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Fair enough. At that time of night it was akin to a burglar alarm.

I heard my first DSC mayday a couple of weeks ago, I was sat in the saloon by the VHF, I near jumped out of my skin. The other alarms build up to a crescendo, but the mayday is full on immediately.

Anyone know the 10m dredger "Last Chance" ?