The Irish Marine Emergency Service saved or assisted 6,445 people last year but hoax calls were endangering lives, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods, warned yesterday.
The IMES responded to 1,679 marine emergencies during the year, 8 per cent more than in 1998. Dr Woods said: "Our search and rescue services work tirelessly to protect life. Sadly, they recovered the bodies of 49 people who lost their lives in incidents during the last year. Too many lives are lost because sufficient precautions are not taken."
Significantly, he said, almost 60 per cent of all marine emergencies last year occurred on the coastline or less than a mile offshore. "It is important that people realise they do not have to be miles out to sea to get into trouble or that complacency because of proximity to the shore is no substitute for taking precautions and being properly equipped." He said he was appalled at the number of hoax calls, 48, received during the year. He was particularly concerned that rescue crews could be away from their stations risking their lives or being delayed to a real emergency because of mindless pranks. "On average, IMES received one hoax call every week. Put simply, hoax calls cost lives and people who make them display an appalling lack of concern for the safety of others and for the vital work of the services charged with saving and protecting life on our seas and coastline," he said.
The Minister urged people to take the necessary precautions to avoid tragedy this year.
"I want all seafarers and people who enjoy our coastal amenities to put safety first. Our rescue crews would prefer to bring back survivors and not painful news to families this year," he said.
Safety meant wearing a life jacket at all times on board vessels, carrying the proper safety and communication equipment on board, checking the weather, leaving word ashore and making sure vessels were in good repair.
People swimming or on the coast should also check the forecast, heed warning signs and the directions of lifeguards. They should always advise somebody of expected return times.