Our hit TV series is back, and it really is drama from the start. In the first episode we see how being caught out by the tide is not only terrifying but how it can easily lead to tragedy. We also take a behind-the-scenes look at the work of the Regulatory Compliance Investigations Team as they investigate a late-night motor-cruiser crash on the Isle of Wight.
Julia, who is a great grandmother, said: "The tide kept coming. It came to my waist and it came to my throat and it came over my head. The second time it came over my head it lifted me of my feet and I knew that the next one, I would be taken away. I started praying; I did not want to drown. But before it came in, these marvellous helicopter men arrived and took me up. I could not believe it. It was a miracle."
• Check the tide times and weather forecast before you visit the coast.
• Keep an eye on which way the tide is heading and know your exit points.
• Take your mobile phone and make sure it’s charged.
• If you’re alone, tell someone where you’re going and what time you'll be back.
• Trapped by the tide? Try to find a safe location, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
The first episode also takes us to Cornwall, where another dramatic rescue unfolds as rescue teams are called to the aid of a young couple trapped by ferocious, swirling seas in a remote sea cave.
You’ll hear first-hand from the rescuers about the mixed emotions of fear and hope, as they work as one team to saves lives that day.
Coastguard Rescue Officer Jake Howard said: “It was very much a team effort. Everyone played their part that day. It was incredible."
Helicopter winch paramedic Ian O’Grady said: “A nurse came up to me and hugged me and just said thank you, because I do not have to tell this lad that his girlfriend has died.”
We follow the work of The Regulatory Compliance investigations Team (RCIT) as they look into a motor-cruiser crash that has left two people in hospital with one who has sustained possible life-changing injuries.
RCIT’s role is to investigate and hold people to account for breaches of Merchant Shipping legislation. The team look into the most serious of incidents from fatalities to where serious injury or serious damage has occurred.
Talking about the motor cruiser crash, Mark Cam, Lead Investigator, said "The skipper's prime responsibility is to the persons on their boat and to keep them safe. Our Job is to understand what has happened to the victims and through proper investigation establish is anyone is culpable and should be prosecuted for the matter, the victims expect that of us."
Find out more about vacancies at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency or becoming a volunteer coastguard rescue officer.
Watch this episode of Series Two at 8pm on Sunday 28 April.
