Coastguard called out more than 200 times in 2024

Jersey Coastguard says equipment failure on boats remains the most common reason for search and rescue incidents

Jersey Coastguard responded to more than 200 incidents in 2024, according to the service.

Its annual report said it had 210 callouts over the year, five more than in 2023.

The service said equipment failure on boats remained the most common reason for search and rescue (SAR) incidents, but was down compared to 2023 by 2.5%.

It said its second highest incident type was members of the public reporting "what they think is a person in difficulty", and it thanked those "who reported potential dangers at sea".

'Analysing and responding'

Other incident types included "concern for welfare", making up 9% of total incidents, a drop of 4% compared to the previous year, and 18 occasions where people needed help after being cut off by the tide, up from 13 in 2023.

Coastguard and vessel traffic service (VTS) manager, Phil Le Neveu, said: "We are always analysing and responding to emerging trends in search and rescue incidents, and we use this information to promote targeted and relevant safety messages.

"We might use this information to inform our safety campaigns, to increase the number of patrols, or to monitor specific areas with CCTV, for example Elizabeth Castle causeway, which is a common location for people being cut off by tides."

The report also highlighted how St Helier VTS supervised more than 4,500 commercial vessels in and out of St Helier Harbour in 2024.

'Our eyes and ears'

Jersey Coastguard said 2024 was the first year the air rescue drone team had been a "declared SAR asset".

It said the voluntary team used drones "suited to various scenarios and weather conditions" to work alongside the coastguard, SAR partners, and other emergency services.

The air rescue drone team was sent to 23 emergency call-outs with eight additional requests relating to public safety, the report revealed.

Mr Le Neveu added: "While search and rescue organisations and assets play a crucial role, our most valuable resource is the public, who act as our eyes and ears around the shores and on the water.

"In 2024, just over half of all incidents were reported by members of the public, we would like to thank those people who reported potential dangers at sea."