MALIN Head Coast Guard station officers have become world famous for helping out ships in distress in far-flung oceans.
Last year staff picked up one alert…in the South China Sea!
And yesterday their incredible skills helped with the rescue of a boat and her crew in the Mediterranean Sea.
The may-day alert was picked up using old-fashioned radio transmissions
“Ships don’t use medium and high frequency transmissions much these days and the Irish Coast Guard is one of the last to listen out on the frequencies as satellite communications have taken over,” said a Coast Guard spokesman.
“However its still maintained for the fishing fleets off our coast and as long range back up communications for lifeboats and Search and Rescue helicopters.
“Last night Malin received an alert off Gibraltar and were able to warn the Spanish authorities in Madrid.”
It’s understood a fishing boat and crew were later taken to safety after getting into difficulty.