Boating & Surface Incidents
NDC Diving Incidents Report
2005
Boating & Surface Incidents
October 2004 05/315
Dive support vessel broke down with ten divers in the water. Largs Lifeboat was tasked by Clyde Coastguard to assist. The divers were recovered by two other vessels, the stricken vessel escorted to shore by Lifeboat. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
November 2004 05/323
Stornoway Coastguard received a 999 call from a diving group, reporting a missing diver. Stornoway Coastguard tasked rescue helicopter G-BIMU and Portree lifeboat. The diver surfaced safe and well before search units arrived on scene. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
November 2004 05/324
Stornoway Coastguard received a call from a broken down dive boat with two POB. Kyle lifeboat was tasked to tow the vessel ashore, where she was met by Kyle Coastguard team. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
December 2004 05/480
Two lifeboats launched to assist dive boat with engine problems and missing diver(s). Nine people landed and craft escorted in. (RNLI report).
February 2005 05/331
Clyde Coastguard received a 'Mayday' call on VHF channel 16 from a dive support vessel reporting a missing diver. Clyde Coastguard tasked Oban Coastguard team and lifeboat and RN rescue helicopter R - 177 together with other local vessels. The diver was recovered safe and well in pos 56 23.3N 005 35.08W. Following assessment by a doctor aboard the lifeboat no further medical treatment was required. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
February 2005 05/334
Following a 999 call transferred via Falmouth Coastguard, Brixham Coastguard took details of a vessel aground. There followed a 'Mayday' call on VHF from the vessel. Brixham Coastguard tasked Looe lifeboat. The stricken dive boat managed to free herself and made own way back to port escorted by Looe LB. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
February 2005 05/482
Lifeboat assisted in the search for missing diver(s). Others coped. (RNLI report).
March 2005 05/336
Portland Coastguard received a 999 call from a dive RHIB, reporting having broken down with a mechanical failure. No divers in the water. (Coastguard report).
March 2005 05/483
Lifeboat launched to assist dive boat with engine problems. Craft towed in. (RNLI report).
March 2005 05/484
Lifeboat launched to assist dive boat with engine problems. Craft towed in. (RNLI report).
March 2005 05/073
With four divers in the water the engine of a dive RHIB cut out after having given the cox a couple of electric shocks. The engine could not be restarted. The cox contacted the Coastguard. A hardboat took the RHIB in tow whilst another RHIB recovered their divers and transferred them to the disabled RHIB. The RHIB was towed back to the home port of the hardboat. During the return trip it was discovered that the throttle linkage had broken.
March 2005 05/338
Humber Coastguard received a call from dive support vessel requesting assistance to find her way to port following a GPS failure in poor visibility. The vessel was assisted by a DF bearing, vessel making shore safe and well. (Coastguard report).
March 2005 05/337
Brixham Coastguard received a call from a dive vessel reporting having lost her propeller, another vessel towed the stricken vessel to shore. Met by Plymouth Coastguard team. (Coastguard report).
March 2005 05/339
Portland Coastguard received a call from dive support vessel reported having broken down with two divers in the water. Exmouth lifeboat was tasked to the broken down RHIB, safety instructions were passed to the vessel to anchor, the divers surfaced, rejoined the dive boat and were able to restart the vessel's engine. The RHIB was then escorted back to port by the lifeboat where they were met by Exmouth Coastguard. (Coastguard report).
March 2005 05/485
Lifeboat launched to assist dive boat with engine problems. Craft escorted in. (RNLI report).
March 2005 05/486
Lifeboat launched to assist dive boat with engine problems. Craft escorted in. (RNLI report).
March 2005 05/487
Lifeboat launched to assist dive boat with engine problems. Craft towed in. (RNLI report).
April 2005 05/290
A group of divers were diving from a hardboat. The last pair were awaiting recovery when the diver lift platform at the stern of the boat failed. There was no back-up ladder on board. The weather was calm so the divers were able to await recovery.
April 2005 05/347
Dive support vessel reported having broken down with one diver in the water. Two lifeboats were tasked by Forth Coastguard, together with Leven CRT. The stricken vessel recovered diver and was escorted back to port by lifeboats. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
April 2005 05/488
Lifeboat launched to assist dive boat with engine problems. Craft towed in. (RNLI report).
April 2005 05/348
Portland Coastguard received a call from a dive support vessel reporting having broken down with 5 POB. The vessel was towed to shore by a Council owned vessel, the problem was fuel starvation. (Coastguard report).
April 2005 05/489
Lifeboat assisted in the search for missing diver(s). Others coped. (RNLI report).
April 2005 05/088
A group of seven divers were diving from a hardboat. When the first pair surfaced they found that the hardboat was just visible on the horizon. An RHIB collected them, informed them that the engine of their boat had failed and returned them to the boat. The RHIB made two further trips to collect the other five divers and return them to the hardboat. Some of the divers helped the skipper to try to fix the problem. Blocked fuel lines were thought to be the cause. The skipper used his mobile phone to contact another boat from the same port. This other boat promised to return to assist, but did not do so. After drifting for 90 min the skipper deployed an anchor. The skipper of the other boat encouraged the skipper of the disabled boat to contact the Coastguard which he did. Another large RHIB and a Coastguard boat arrived on scene just as they managed to restart the engine. The boat returned safely to shore accompanied by the other two boats.
April 2005 05/351
Dive boat with one person on board made a 'Pan Pan' broadcast reporting having broken down close to rocks. Swanage lifeboat & inshore lifeboat were tasked to assist the vessel. The boat was towed to shore where they were met by Swanage Coastguard. (Coastguard report).
April 2005 05/352
Humber Coastguard tasked Craster and Seahouses lifeboats to assist a broken down dive boat with one person aboard having suffered an engine fire, the vessel was towed to shore. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
Number of incidents
May 2005 05/126
Whilst travelling to a dive site the engine of a dive boat became starved of fuel. The fuel filter and water separator were by-
passed and the engine restarted and ran without problem. After their dive the party returned to a marina and a new fuel filter was fitted. The engine started and ran well. On the way to the second dive site the engine stopped again. The bulb pump in the fuel line was operated and the engine was restarted and ran without problem during the second dive. On the return journey the engine stopped a third time and could not be restarted. The Coastguard was alerted and the boat anchored. The boat was safely towed ashore by an inshore lifeboat.
May 2005 05/258
An RHIB made a 5 mile trip to a dive site with six divers on board. On route the steering system failed. A paddle was strapped to the engine in an attempt to regain steering but the paddle broke. Two divers then held the engine in a straight ahead position and two others steered the boat with their feet and fins at the bow. In this manner they made their way safely back to their launch point.
May 2005 05/493
Two lifeboats assisted in the search for missing diver(s). One person brought in. (RNLI report).
May 2005 05/363
Dive RHIB contacted Belfast Coastguard reporting having broken down with four divers in the water. Larne AWLB towed vessel to shore, where they were met by Portmuck Coastguard team. The divers had self recovered to the parent vessel. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
May 2005 05/361
Following a 999 call to Holyhead Coastguard, a dive support vessel reporting they had broken down with seven POB, Trearddur Bay lifeboat was launched and towed the stricken vessel back to shore. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
May 2005 05/367
Dive RHIB contacted Brixham Coastguard reporting having broken down, Plymouth lifeboat was tasked to tow the stricken vessel to shore, however the vessel restarted her engines, the vessel was escorted to shore by Plymouth lifeboat. (Coastguard report).
May 2005 05/368
Holyhead Coastguard tasked Trearddur Bay lifeboat and Rhosniger Coastguard team to investigate a report of a broken down dive RHIB, the vessel was found to have run out of fuel and towed back to shore by the lifeboat. (Coastguard report).
May 2005 05/371
Falmouth Coastguard tasked Penlee lifeboat and Penzance Coastguard team to assist a broken down RHIB with five POB, the vessel was towed to safety where the team took details and gave safety advice. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
May 2005 05/497
Lifeboat assisted in the search for missing diver(s). Two persons landed. (RNLI report).
June 2005 05/149
Two divers entered the water and dived to a depth of 22m. After 5 min they deployed a delayed SMB. Unknown to the divers, this SMB split and was lost from sight by those in the boat. The boat crew was not able to locate the divers and after their anticipated ascent time had passed the Coastguard was alerted. Meanwhile the divers surfaced and inflated two SMBs which they used to attract the attention of those in the boat. They were recovered safely from the water and the Coastguard was informed.
June 2005 05/375
Dive support vessel was spotted as broken down from Humber Coastguard operations room, the Bridlington lifeboat was launched to tow the stricken vessel back to shore. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
June 2005 05/500
Lifeboat launched to assist dive boat with engine problems. Craft towed in. (RNLI report).
June 2005 05/502
Lifeboat launched to assist leaking/swamped dive boat. (RNLI report).
June 2005 05/385
Dive support vessel whilst answering a call for assistance from a broken down jet ski, itself broke down with eleven divers onboard. Poole lifeboat responded to the vessel in difficulty and towed the dive boat to shore where it was met by Poole Coastguard. (Coastguard report).
June 2005 05/505
Lifeboat assisted in the search for missing diver(s). Others coped. (RNLI report).
June 2005 05/504
Lifeboat launched to assist dive boat with engine problems. Craft towed in. (RNLI report).
June 2005 05/387
Portland Coastguard received a 999 call reporting two divers in difficulty following a shore dive. The divers were shore diving when they were taken by the tide and caused to drift away from the shore. Another vessel located them and returned the divers to shore, being met by Portland Coastguard. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
June 2005 05/164
Two divers entered the water from an RHIB. As they descended the boat engine stopped. The boat slowly drifted from the dive site and when it was about 100m away an attempt was made to restart the engine to return to the site. It was found that there was no electrical power to the engine and it could not be restarted. The boat was paddled back to the site and secured to a mooring buoy. The Coastguard was alerted and a lifeboat and a Coastguard boat attended to assist. The divers were recovered into their own boat which was towed ashore.
June 2005 05/394
Forth Coastguard received a call from dive support vessel reporting a missing diver, RAF rescue helicopter R-131, Eyemouth lifeboat, St Abbs and Eyemouth Coastguard assisted in the search, police and ambulance also assisted. The missing diver was located safe and recovered by one vessel. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
June 2005 05/395
Dive RHIB reported to Brixham Coastguard having broken down with five POB, the vessel was towed to shore by Teignmouth lifeboat. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
June 2005 05/173
Two divers entered the water to dive on a wreck. Their boat was anchored on the wreck and they placed a lifting bag on the anchor to aid its recovery. The divers then planned to use a delayed SMB for their ascent. The anchor was recovered but the boat's engine could not be restarted. The anchor was redeployed but it dragged in sand and the boat was carried towards a beach. The Coastguard was alerted and two lifeboats were launched to assist. One took the disabled boat in tow and the other recovered the divers safely and returned them to their boat.
July 2005 05/400
Humber Coastguard received a call from a fishing vessel having recovered a lone diver, the diver was returned unharmed to the parent vessel, on return to shore Amble Coastguard gave safety advice to the diver who was uncooperative. (Coastguard report).
July 2005 05/507
Lifeboat launched to assist dive boat with engine problems. Craft towed in. (RNLI report).
July 2005 05/403
Following a 999 call Humber Coastguard were alerted to a broken down dive boat, Redcar lifeboat was tasked to assist the broken down vessel, Skinning Grove Coastguard team met the vessel to collect details. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
July 2005 05/402
Humber Coastguard were alerted to a dive boat with seven POB having suffered total engine failure, Flamborough lifeboat was tasked to tow the stricken vessel to shore. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
July 2005 05/508
Lifeboat launched to assist dive boat. Two persons brought in. (RNLI report).
July 2005 05/509
Lifeboat assisted in the search for missing diver(s). Others coped. (RNLI report).
July 2005 05/169
The Coastguard was alerted that two divers were missing. Two lifeboats and a helicopter were tasked to search. The divers were spotted by another dive boat and transferred back to their own boat by a lifeboat. The divers had been in the water for about 2 hours. Neither suffered ill effects. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
July 2005 05/407
Dive boat was reported broken down by harbourmaster, another dive vessel responded to a call broadcast by Portland Coastguard and towed to shore. (Coastguard report).
July 2005 05/404
Humber Coastguard were alerted to a broken down dive boat with five persons on board, Flamborough Inshore lifeboat was tasked to assist, towing the stricken vessel to shore, where they were met by Bridlington Coastguard team. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
July 2005 05/510
Lifeboat assisted in the search for missing diver(s). One person found. (RNLI report).
July 2005 05/511
Lifeboat assisted in the search for missing diver(s). Others coped. (RNLI report).
July 2005 05/410
Portland Coastguard received a call from a dive boat reporting having broken down with divers in the water, Portland Coastguard initiated broadcast action for the stricken vessel, another dive boat responded picking up the adrift divers returning them to the parent vessel, the vessel then managed to restart its engines and return to shore unaided. (Coastguard report).
July 2005 05/512
Lifeboat launched to assist dive boat with engine problems. Craft towed in. (RNLI report).
July 2005 05/415
A 999 call was received by Portland Coastguard reporting a missing diver, Coastguard rescue helicopter R-WB Weymouth AWLB and Portland Bill Coastguard were tasked to search for the missing diver, a second 999 call reported the diver had been located safe and well, all units stood down with the Coastguard team gathering details, it transpired the diver had drifted away from the group. (Coastguard report).
July 2005 05/216
Two divers became separated from their boat in rough sea conditions. A person on shore saw them in the water and alerted the Coastguard. A lifeboat and a helicopter were tasked to assist. One diver made it to the shore and the other was recovered by another dive boat. Neither diver suffered ill effects. (Media report).
July 2005 05/418
Dover Coastguard received a call from a dive boat reporting a missing diver following a dive to 50m, the diver was recovered by parent vessel, no medical treatment was required. (Coastguard report).
July 2005 05/421
Forth Coastguard received a call from diving RHIB reporting having a missing diver, the diver made a slow ascent and was picked up by parent vessel, all SAR units were stood down. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
July 2005 05/219
The Coastguard was alerted when a dive boat began to take on water. A lifeboat was launched to assist but, despite using two pumps they were unable to prevent the boat from sinking. The divers were brought safely back to shore by the lifeboat. (Coastguard report).
July 2005 05/190
The Coastguard was alerted when two divers were overdue from a dive. A Coastguard tug, a fixed wing aircraft and a lifeboat were tasked to search. After 8 min the lost divers were found, at the surface, by the tug and safely recovered. (Coastguard report).
July 2005 05/427
A dive RHIB suffered engine failure following a fire in the thermostat area of the engine compartment, once the fire had been extinguished the vessel was towed to shore by another vessel. (Coastguard report).
July 2005 05/429
Stornoway Coastguard received a call from Mallaig Station Officer reporting dive support vessel broken free from its moorings and had a line around its propeller, the vessel was held offshore by the Mallaig Coastguard team until a diver freed the propeller, the vessel was then taken alongside and secured. (Coastguard report).
August 2005 05/301
A group of divers left their dive site to return to the shore. About 300m into the journey the engine stopped and could not be restarted. The boat was anchored and the Coastguard was alerted. A lifeboat was tasked to assist and the boat was towed ashore. It was later found that the switch that controlled the electric choke on the engine had been inadvertently moved to the choke position and the engine was flooded.
August 2005 05/514
Lifeboat assisted in the search for missing diver(s). Two persons brought in. (RNLI report).
August 2005 05/431
Milford Haven Coastguard were alerted to a missing diver, immediately tasking Tenby lifeboats and Tenby Coastguard, the missing diver was located on rocks by a range safety vessel, the diver had deployed his delayed SMB but had drifted away from the support vessel. It was noted that the diver's gear was in good order but the dive boat equipment was very poor. (Coastguard report).
August 2005 05/432
Humber Coastguard received a call from dive support vessel reporting having broken down with five POB, Scarborough lifeboat was launched, towing the stricken vessel back to shore where she was met by Scarborough Coastguard. (Coastguard report).
August 2005 05/434
Portland Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public reporting seeing a red smoke flare, the report was investigated by Portland Coastguard who established the divers were adrift from the parent vessel and activated the flare to alert other vessels. The divers were recovered by the parent vessel. (Coastguard report).
August 2005 05/435
Milford Haven Coastguard received a call on VHF from a dive support vessel reporting having broken down with divers in the water, a request for assistance was broadcast by Milford Haven Coastguard, another vessel responded recovering all divers and returning them to shore, the parent vessel restarted its engine and also returned to shore. (Coastguard report).
August 2005 05/442
Humber Coastguard received a call from dive boat reporting having broken down, Whitby lifeboat was tasked to tow the vessel to shore, the vessel was able to restart its engine and was escorted back to shore by the lifeboat. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).
August 2005 05/221
Two divers completed a dive to a depth of 42m. When they surfaced they were not seen by their boat which moved away from them. The divers sounded a horn but this was not heard. Once it was realised that the divers were overdue the Coastguard was alerted and a search involving a helicopter and a number of lifeboats was initiated. After about 20 min the divers were spotted by the helicopter about 3 miles from their start point. The divers were safely recovered into the helicopter.
August 2005 05/212
A number of divers were ascending a shotline from a dive to 27m when a large tug was seen to be heading directly for the site. The skipper of the dive boat attempted to divert the approaching vessel by steering towards it and by radio calls. The vessel did not respond and passed directly over the shot buoy at high speed. One of the divers was pulled upwards and hit by the hull of the tug several times. She managed to get to the surface after the incident and was recovered into her boat. She was in pain and parts of her diving equipment had been damaged or lost. The pillar valve of her cylinder was bent over and leaking. The Coastguard was alerted and the other divers recalled. The boat headed back to the shore and was met by a lifeboat. The casualty was taken ashore by the lifeboat and from there to hospital. She was treated for three broken ribs, bruising to her lung, injuries to her arm and facial cuts.
August 2005 05/450
Milford Haven Coastguard received a call from dive boat reporting having broken down with five divers in the water, a broadcast was made on behalf of the vessel, other vessels responded to the call, recovering the divers and towing the boat to shore where they were met by Dale Coastguard. (Coastguard report).
August 2005 05/452
Humber Coastguard received a call from a dive support vessel reporting having broken down, Seahouses lifeboat and ILB proceeded, the vessel was towed back to shore where it was met by Seahouses Coastguard. (Coastguard report).
August 2005 05/451
Humber Coastguard received a 999 call reporting a red flare, Bridlington lifeboat was tasked to investigate the report, the casualty was a dive support vessel broken down (out of fuel) with divers in the water, the vessel was towed back to shore by the Bridlington lifeboat. (Coastguard report).
August 2005 05/242
A group of divers were recovered into their boat and the cox attempted to start the engine to make the return journey. Despite several attempts the engine could not be started. The Coastguard was informed and the boat was anchored. A lifeboat was on exercise nearby and came to their assistance. The disabled boat was towed safely ashore. A faulty electrical connection was later found.
September 2005 05/463
Forth Coastguard received a call for a dive RHIB reporting having run aground in thick fog, Anstruther AWLB and inshore lifeboat were tasked to assist the stricken vessel with Carnoustie Coastguard attending, no medical assistance was required. (Coastguard report).
September 2005 05/461
Brixham Coastguard received a call from two dive support vessels reporting a dangerous occurrence when a power boat steamed right through a dive site with divers in the water, both dive boats were displaying the dive flag when the power cruiser went right through the area in excess of 32 knots. A Hazrep has been completed. (Coastguard report).
September 2005 05/464
Dive RHIB contacted Portland Coastguard reporting having engine failure and was in danger of running aground, Poole lifeboat was tasked to tow the vessel to safety where they were met by Poole Coastguard. (Coastguard report).
September 2005 05/466
Numerous 999 calls reporting a flashing torch offshore were investigated by Coastguard helicopter, the flashing was from a diver who had become lost offshore, the diver was assisted ashore by a swimmer and a canoeist where they were met by the helicopter winchman and Wyke Coastguard. (Coastguard report).
September 2005 05/468
Dive support vessel reported having broken down with seven divers in the water, another vessel recovered some of the divers and the parent vessel recovered the remaining, the dive boat was towed safely to shore by a local vessel. (Coastguard report).
September 2005 05/469
Belfast Coastguard reported on channel 16 that they had a missing diver, Belfast Coastguard tasked Redbay lifeboat and Ballycastle Coastguard to assist in the search for the missing diver, the casualty was recovered safe and well shortly afterwards by the parent vessel. (Coastguard report).
September 2005 05/471
Dive vessel broke down with divers aboard, Yarmouth Coastguard tasked Skegness lifeboat to recover the divers and tow the vessel to safety. (Coastguard report).
September 2005 05/472
Portland Coastguard received a call from a dive RHIB reporting having broken down with one diver in the water, the dive boat was recovered by the Swanage lifeboat and towed back to shore by a fisheries protection vessel, the lifeboat recovered the diver unharmed. (Coastguard report).
September 2005 05/477
Brixham Coastguard were alerted to a missing diver by the beach manager at Breakwater Beach. Three divers entered the water in poor underwater visibility. One instructor and two trainees, when the instructor lost the others in the party they panicked, the missing diver surfaced unaware of the problem, was safe and did not require any medical assistance. (Coastguard report).
Page last modified: 11th Aug 2006 - 15:37:49