Menu
25/02/2004
Emergency as SOS frequency blocked by ship playing Radio 4
A lifeboat had to be launched to intercept a cargo ship in the North Sea when it accidentally jammed the emergency radio frequency this morning.
Coastguards in Great Yarmouth were unable to use the frequency needed for ships to make distress, urgency and safety calls when the button on the cargo vessel's radio handset became accidentally jammed in the 'on' position without the crew realising. The ship then transmitted Radio 4, which was playing on another set, and the sound of the crews' voice for almost five hours.
The Coastguard contacted the BBC who broadcast a message on Radio 4 asking vessels to check their broadcasting equipment.
As the broadcasting continued Coastguards then requested the Wells RNLI Lifeboat to launch and, following the line of the radio signals from the vessel, were eventually able to reach the vessel `Victress', which was found about 10 miles off the north Norfolk coast.
The problem started shortly after 5am and a lifeboat found the vessel and alerted the crew at about 9.50am.
Colin Tomlinson, District Operations Manager at Yarmouth Coastguard, said: "The problem we encountered was that it meant that we were unable to use the emergency frequency. The signal was being carried on four of our aerials effectively blocking any other emergency call.
"We have known this happen before occasionally but never for quite so long. Coastguards had initially tried to contact the crew on the cargo vessel by broadcasting an appeal on Radio 4 - but on this occasion without success; however we would like to thank the BBC for their prompt response. We fully recognise that this was an accident and not deliberate."
(gmcg)
Coastguards in Great Yarmouth were unable to use the frequency needed for ships to make distress, urgency and safety calls when the button on the cargo vessel's radio handset became accidentally jammed in the 'on' position without the crew realising. The ship then transmitted Radio 4, which was playing on another set, and the sound of the crews' voice for almost five hours.
The Coastguard contacted the BBC who broadcast a message on Radio 4 asking vessels to check their broadcasting equipment.
As the broadcasting continued Coastguards then requested the Wells RNLI Lifeboat to launch and, following the line of the radio signals from the vessel, were eventually able to reach the vessel `Victress', which was found about 10 miles off the north Norfolk coast.
The problem started shortly after 5am and a lifeboat found the vessel and alerted the crew at about 9.50am.
Colin Tomlinson, District Operations Manager at Yarmouth Coastguard, said: "The problem we encountered was that it meant that we were unable to use the emergency frequency. The signal was being carried on four of our aerials effectively blocking any other emergency call.
"We have known this happen before occasionally but never for quite so long. Coastguards had initially tried to contact the crew on the cargo vessel by broadcasting an appeal on Radio 4 - but on this occasion without success; however we would like to thank the BBC for their prompt response. We fully recognise that this was an accident and not deliberate."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 February 2011
BBC Radio To 'Extend Its Distinctive Appeal'
A BBC Trust review has concluded that BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7 are much loved and highly valued by the millions of licence fee payers that listen every week.
BBC Radio To 'Extend Its Distinctive Appeal'
A BBC Trust review has concluded that BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7 are much loved and highly valued by the millions of licence fee payers that listen every week.
11 December 2009
Asian Radio Presenter Murdered
Police in Glasgow are investigation the "brutal" killing of a radio presenter at her home. Nasim Jamil, who worked for Asian radio station Awaz FM, was found by family in her Byres Road flat on Wednesday. Strathclyde Police said she had last been seen earlier in the day. A postmortem examination is currently underway on Ms Jamil's remains.
Asian Radio Presenter Murdered
Police in Glasgow are investigation the "brutal" killing of a radio presenter at her home. Nasim Jamil, who worked for Asian radio station Awaz FM, was found by family in her Byres Road flat on Wednesday. Strathclyde Police said she had last been seen earlier in the day. A postmortem examination is currently underway on Ms Jamil's remains.
19 October 2004
BBC digitial radio goes 'above and beyond' expectations
The BBC has gone "above and beyond" what is expected of it by the government when it comes to the delivery of digital radio services, according to an independent report published today.
BBC digitial radio goes 'above and beyond' expectations
The BBC has gone "above and beyond" what is expected of it by the government when it comes to the delivery of digital radio services, according to an independent report published today.
07 March 2005
World's first 3G radio player launched
Virgin Radio is set to become the first radio station to become globally available via 3G phones. The UK radio broadcaster has teamed up with Sydus, specialists in music to mobile streaming, in order to make the radio station available through mobile phones.
World's first 3G radio player launched
Virgin Radio is set to become the first radio station to become globally available via 3G phones. The UK radio broadcaster has teamed up with Sydus, specialists in music to mobile streaming, in order to make the radio station available through mobile phones.
16 June 2004
Fire at BT exchange disrupts phone services
Up to 25,000 BT customers have had their services disrupted after a fire broke in a telephone exchange in Scotland last night. The fire at the facility on Mansfield Road, Musselburgh, mostly affected customers around Musselburgh, Longniddry and Gullane where landlines and some mobile phones are out of operation – including 999 services.
Fire at BT exchange disrupts phone services
Up to 25,000 BT customers have had their services disrupted after a fire broke in a telephone exchange in Scotland last night. The fire at the facility on Mansfield Road, Musselburgh, mostly affected customers around Musselburgh, Longniddry and Gullane where landlines and some mobile phones are out of operation – including 999 services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
