1144/2024 - Mayday transmission
04/10/2024
The Service was requested to launch by Jersey Coastguard after a Mayday transmission was received by MRCCs in Jersey, Jobourg and Corsen. Triangulation of the signal suggested it had emanated from the area of Les Minquiers Reef south of Jersey.
The Service's aircraft Lions' Pride took off from Guernsey and headed south towards the reef. A search pattern was established and with excellent visibility on the FLIR camera a track spacing of 2 nm was chosen at an altitude of 2,000 ft.
A heat source emanating from some rocks was investigated and was found to be a seal. Several vessels were identified, all of which were transmitting AIS signals, and were discounted.
The Jersey Lifeboat, Sir Max Aitken III, was also searching and having searched an area of approximately 100 sq nm and being satisfied that there was nothing to be found, Lions' Pride was stood down by Jersey Coastguard and returned to Guernsey Airport.