THE Island’s Air Rescue Drone Team was sent to dozens of emergency call outs in its first year as a recognised search and rescue asset, Jersey Coastguard’s latest annual report has revealed.
The team of volunteers, which is mostly made up of ex-emergency services staff, became a declared SAR asset at the end of January 2024.
The Air Rescue Drone Team utilises several drones suited to various scenarios and weather conditions, which can be fitted with a range of equipment needed for different searches – including thermal night vision cameras, powerful search lights, audio capabilities and tethered power that enables unlimited flight time.
In 2024, the team were tasked to 23 emergency call outs.
There were eight additional requests relating to public safety, which included checking the integrity of hangar roofs at Jersey Airport.
Coastguard and 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.”
He added: “And 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.”
In case of emergency
Coastguard responses
- During the year, Jersey Coastguard responded to 210 incidents – five more than in 2023 – dealing with distress and emergency 999 calls.
- Vessel equipment failure remained the main cause (20.5%) of reported SAR incidents.
- The second highest incident type was action with good intentions, which is when a member of the public reports what they think is a person in difficulty. There were 29 such incidents in 2024, compared to 20 in 2023.
- Concern for welfare made up 9% of total incidents – a drop of 4% compared to 2023.
- There were also 18 incidents where people needed help after being cut off by the tide. This figure was up from 13 in 2023.
