Urgent call after distress signal triggered Coastguard search in Cornwall

A distress call was made today (Wednesday 8 May), triggering a huge response from Cornwall Coastguard. Falmouth Coastguard has now issued an urgent appeal for information after the unregistered distress signal was activated at around 1pm.

The signal is untraceable and has left emergency services unsure whether the signal was accidental or genuine. Lifeboats searched the coast between Newquay and Falmouth to try to locate any vessels in distress.

The public has been urged to come forward if they have any information about the emergency beacon (EPIRB). The signal ID number is HEX ID 9D0E1D1A3000001.

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Senior Marine Operations Officer at HM Coastguard Falmouth, Margaret Howell, said: “We are making an urgent appeal to find the owner of a lighthouse, so if you know anyone who may have set off one in Cornwall, please contact us.

“Emergency crews are searching and we would very much like any information to help us in our search.”

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