Coastguard: Series Three, Episode Three

All the action from episode three

In this episode, the RCIT team investigates a fishing trawler that crashes into two anglers at sea - the shocking shunt is caught on camera. Meanwhile, an HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter speeds to the help of two fishermen far from shore with life-changing injuries, and Tresco Coastguard Rescue Team responds to a man in cardiac arrest on the Isles of Scilly.

Watch the trailer for episode three

View looking down a cliff. A male coastguard rescue officer can be seen halfway down the cliff face, performing a cliff rescue

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While the skipper sleeps

The consequences are dire for the skipper of 22.5-metre fishing trawler Margaret Anne, after lives are put in danger.

Shocking footage demonstrates the dangers of negligent watchkeeping, as the skipper's vessel violently rams another 12 miles off Eastbourne. Two fishermen escape with minor injuries and investigators Jay Staff and Martin Hayward take on the case.

Skipper Maurice Reid admits to being asleep at the helm, and the case heads to Crown Court. MCA Investigator Mark Cam says: “He was pretty reckless. He put not just himself, the vessel and his crew, but also other people at risk as well."

A shocking allision between two fishing vessels is caught on camera

Serious injuries at sea

Thrown about in rough seas, Spanish fishing vessel Lodario makes an urgent call to the coastguard. 120 nautical miles off Scottish coast, two fishermen are severely injured aboard their vessel.

Life-changing injuries involving the ship’s winching gear necessitate a substantial response from HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopters in Stornoway and Inverness, who race to the scene.

“When I touched down on that deck, I can honestly say I encountered the 'startle phenomenon',” says Norman ‘Nam’ McLeod, Winch Paramedic.

“I've been a paramedic for almost 30 years, and this was the most challenging scene I've ever had to deal with. For the first few seconds it was hard to take everything in and understand what I needed to do first.

"Thankfully it didn't last. My training and experience kicked in and I got to work. I spent an hour on the boat, and it was the quickest hour of my life!”

Every minute is crucial

Coastguards are called to assist 70-year-old casualty, Nolan, who's experienced a cardiac arrest while travelling to the Isles of Scilly. HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R924 from Newquay heads to the scene while Coastguards prepare a landing site.

Nolan’s wife, Gill said: “We decided to go on holiday to the Isles of Scilly and on the first day, we decided we would go to Tresco. We were just about to come into the port, and he took a great big breath and collapsed.”

Gill October aboard an HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter

A dog's life

Meanwhile, coastguards in Sunderland are called after beloved pet dog Marley is trapped on a cliff at Seaham.

Coastguard Rescue Officer Andy Heppell says: "It's always an overwhelming feeling to get the dog back to its owner. That's what we train to do: to prevent people doing that self-rescue."

Coastal safety tips

When walking near cliffs, always keep your dog on a lead. If they do go over a cliff do not go after them or try to attempt to rescue them yourself.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

More coastal safety advice

A coastal landscape with calm blue seas and rocky, steep cliffs

Want to make a difference?

Find out more about vacancies at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency or becoming a volunteer coastguard rescue officer.

Episode Three

Series Three, Episode Three