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SMS SOS saves Solent seamen
Radio Beacon, 999 and dad combine for rescue on choppy waters

By Tony Hallett

Published: Monday 19 May 2003

Three men were saved from the hull of a capsized trimaran on Saturday in the Solent after one of the stricken sailors sent a text-message to his father.

Caught in what the Coastguard later described as "pretty dreadful" weather, featuring rough seas and gusts up to 45 knots, the men used a combination of mobile phone and VHF radio to call for help.

The Coastguard first received an emergency 999 call at 4:50pm. However, the call was dropped due to poor signal strength. Then came a beacon from an Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) showing a position south-west of St Catherine's point on the Isle of Wight.

However, it wasn't until the Coastguard received a call from one man's father - calling from his home, near Southampton - that the position was confirmed.

Commenting on the helicopter rescue, and perhaps referring to the way an SMS text can often make it through when coverage is patchy, Solent Coastguard watch manager Colin Griffiths said: "The incident adds to the number of times the Coastguard has been alerted to a marine incident via text message.

"We understand that texting can be sent to much longer distances than a voice call, however our recommendation is always to try and communicate to the rescue authorities via a handheld VHF radio if at all possible."