Obsolete beacon sparks wasteful search

A four-hour search for an obsolete distress beacon transmitting in error has prompted the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) to remind beacon users to dispose of old beacons properly.

The old 121.5MHz beacon was finally located floating in a puddle of water below decks on a dilapidated yacht in Waikawa Bay near Picton.

Beacons operating on this frequency stopped being monitored in February 2009. They have been replaced by beacons operating on the 406MHz frequency.

However, signals from the old beacons can still be received by aircraft passing overhead and that prompted the search this morning, RCCNZ Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Mike Roberts said.

“We received a series of reports from aircraft flying above the northern South Island and as far north as mid-Taranaki,” he said.

“The Garden City helicopter was sent from Nelson to investigate, and narrowed the search to vessels moored off Waikawa Marina. A person on the ground with direction-finding equipment liaised with the helicopter crew and traced the signal to a 12m yacht, which was boarded with the assistance of a local Police officer. The officer forced entry and found the beacon rolling in a puddle below decks.”

Mr Roberts said the search was a waste of resources.

“It’s tied up the rescue helicopter for four hours when there may well have been someone genuinely in distress requiring assistance,” he said.”

Old or obsolete beacons need to be disposed of carefully, to ensure they are not set off by accident.

The battery needs to be disconnected and the beacon disposed of according to local regulations, as many beacons contain hazardous materials.

People with old or obsolete beacons should contact a local beacon retailer, or Police station, to arrange appropriate disposal.

Police are attempting to find the owner of the vessel at the centre of today’s search to discuss the issue.

ENDS

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