Search And Rescue incidents in 2000 show a slight decrease in number from the previous year.

Director of maritime Operations and Chief Coastguard John Astbury said, "I take comfort from the figures released today (19 January 2001) that there has been a slight decrease in the overall number of search and rescue incidents co-ordinated by the Coastguard in the last twelve months, despite the acknowledged increasing use of the sea".

The total number of incidents dropped by 212 to 12,008 in 2000 compared to 12,220 in 1999.

The figures also show a decrease of 2818 in the number of persons assisted throughout the year falling from 17,535 to 14,717.

Mr. Astbury said, "I am also pleased to see the figure for individuals being assisted has shown a decrease when we consider how many people use the sea and coastline for pleasure and leisure purposes. Understandably there are always a number of high profile incidents – sometimes with tragic results – which we can draw upon to remind the public of the need for safe attitude and practice when at sea or on the shoreline".

Other figures showed that 17 fewer lives were lost at sea in 2000 as compared with 1999.

The only figures to show an increase were call outs by the District Rescue Teams. These showed an increase from 7992 in 1999 to 8250 in 2000.

Mr. Astbury concluded by saying, "We are not however complacent and we will continue to work towards reducing the number of incidents, and all those who go to sea or use the beaches can help by being aware of the dangers that exist, and take sensible precautions to decrease those risks. However, it is an unfortunate fact that accidents will always happen and no one should hesitate to contact HM Coastguard if they are in the slightest doubt about their own safety or the safety of others".