Coastguard: Series three, episode two

The action continues in episode two

In this episode, a victim's family urges boaters to consider their safety after a tragic boat crash in Poole harbour has fatal consequences. A dramatic rescue in Wales saves a man having a stroke on the beach, and MCA surveyors detain a foreign vessel in Wirral after its safety is called into question.

Watch the trailer

A HM Coastguard helicopter hovers over a beach

Watch now

Taking responsibility

A boat crash in Poole harbour causes the death of 24-year-old passenger David Haw. The skipper is jailed after a Dorset Police investigation, supported by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

David’s dad, Richard Haw, said: “David’s death had a massive impact on us. It’s an experience that you can’t put into words. One moment he’s with us; the next moment he’s gone. It’s just such a wrench.

“What my wife and I are hoping, after what's happened to us, is that nobody goes through the same scenario again. This is all because people did not follow basic safety requirements and all we hope is that after David's death people will learn that cutting these sorts of corners the risk's far too high."

MCA Lead Investigator Mark Cam reflects: “If people had done their job, been careful – in many instances it would not have happened.”

Learn more here

Top safety tips

Always wear a lifejacket or suitable buoyancy aid to help keep you afloat.
Update your training and qualifications to stay safe and confident onboard.
Emergency at sea? Send a mayday on VHF Channel 16 or call 999 and ask for Coastguard.
Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) – it will help locate you if you go overboard.
Check the weather forecast and tide times before you leave home.
Ensure you pilot your boat at an appropriate speed to the environment and conditions.

Did you know?

As well as supporting police investigations, the MCA itself can prosecute some suspected breaches of maritime law, through the Regulatory Compliance Investigations Team.

Find out more about the regulatory compliance team's responsibilities.

"You can’t complement somebody enough, can you?"

Vin Fraser

HM Coastguard works hand in hand with the other emergency services.

When a man on the beach at Anglesey, Wales, is feared to be having a stroke, ambulance and coastguard teams join forces to get him to hospital.

Patient Vin said: “I was on a drip for a few days. Everything gradually came back to normal levels then.

"If the helicopter, the coastguard and 999 had not have reacted so quickly, I would not be here now. You can’t complement somebody enough, can you?”

Vessel detained

A report of oil on the water near a foreign-flagged vessel in Wirral draws the attention of MCA surveyors.

Led by Principal Marine Surveyor Zia Ul Haq, the team uncovers safety problems serious enough to detain the vessel until the issues are fixed. Zia said: "When we receive any pollution report, that is very concerning as there may be further issues."

"The decision to detain is not something we take easily, but this decision is taken to ensure safety. I spent over 20 years at sea myself, and I understand the danger that the sea possesses."

Suspected pollution seen from a vessel at Wirral

MCA Surveyor Zia Ul Haq inspects a vessel

Coastguard airs on Wednesdays at 9pm on Channel 5. Find out more about each episode so far.

Episode two