The Falmouth Coastguard has issued an urgent appeal for information after an emergency distress beacon was activated around 1pm today, May 8, in the Cornwall area. The emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), which is currently unregistered, leaves authorities without immediate contact details to verify the situation.

Due to the lack of registration, it remains unclear whether the activation was accidental or if there is a genuine emergency that requires a rescue operation. In response, lifeboats have been deployed to search extensive stretches of the Cornish coastline, from Newquay to Falmouth, in efforts to locate any individuals in distress.

Margaret Howell, Senior Maritime Operations Officer at HM Coastguard Falmouth, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “We’re making an urgent appeal to find the owner of a beacon so if you know anyone who may have set one off in Cornwall, please contact us. Emergency crews are out searching and we would really like any information we can to help us in our search.”

The Coastguard is requesting anyone who owns the beacon with HEX ID 9D0E1D1A3000001, or knows someone who might, to immediately report to the HM Coastguard at Falmouth. Accidental activations are also urged to be reported to help focus search efforts appropriately.

Individuals with any information regarding the beacon are asked to call the HM Coastguard at Falmouth at 01326 317575 to assist in resolving the situation swiftly and ensuring the safety of all potentially involved parties