Morse code used in rescue!
London, 20 October/GNN/ -- MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release
(Press Notice: 368_06) issued by The Government News Network on 20 October
2006
Yesterday afternoon just after 5.30pm Hayling Island Coastguard team member,
Steve Mann, witnessed what he thought was a SOS message flashed by
torchlight towards the Control Tower at Hayling Island Sailing Club. Steve
responded to the SOS message by switching the lights on and off in the
Control Tower.
The casualty was identified and was indeed using Morse code as he had
recently transferred all of his safety equipment from his 28ft fishing
vessel onto a newly acquired boat. He was running this vessel from
Emsworth to Thorneham Marina, a distance of about 4 miles, when he ran
aground and started to take on water. Steve Mann then alerted Solent
Coastguard Marine Rescue Coordination Centre who requested the launch of the
RNLI inshore and D-class lifeboats from Hayling island to the casualty who
was transferred to Hayling Island Lifeboat Station, where he was checked
over by a crewman who is also a paramedic. His vessel was towed back to
Sparks Marina by the inshore lifeboat.
Steve Mann said afterwards, "I was absolutely amazed to see the flashed SOS
message. This man was caught out on the one occasion he went to sea with
absolutely no safety equipment. Even without radio communication going to
sea without even a portable flare is extremely dangerous and could cost you
your life."
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MORSE CODE SAVES THE DAY AGAIN OLD CODE IS A LIFESAVER 
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