A heart attack on board, a life-saving Mayday call
In June 2024, a couple were sailing their 11-meter sailboat in southern Brittany. Suddenly, the skipper collapsed. His companion, panicking, grabbed the VHF and made a distress call: " Mayday Mayday Mayday ". CROSS d'Étel responded immediately, dispatching a Dragon 56 helicopter to the area. In less than 20 minutes, the yachtsman was airlifted out. Verdict: heart attack. His prognosis would have been life-threatening if he had had to use a telephone, find a network and explain their position without the means of VHF DSC.
Engine damage on the Ushant rail
Another striking example: a 7-meter RIB suffered engine failure in the Ouessant rail, one of the busiest areas in Europe. Thanks to the VHF, the crew launched a Pan Pan precise. A nearby freighter altered course, and CROSS coordinated an intervention by SNSM lifeguards. Afterwards, the rescuers declared: "Without VHF, it was a probable collision
Boater saved by VHF call
In August 2022, a yachtsman sailing single-handed off the English Channel suffered engine damage, finding himself adrift with no way of getting back to shore. Fortunately, he had a VHF radio on board. He made a distress call on channel 16, which was picked up by CROSS Jobourg. The CROSS immediately coordinated a rescue operation, dispatching an SNSM launch which was able to locate and safely rescue the yachtsman.
Why is VHF irreplaceable?
The VHF (a marine radio) allows you to use the VHF:
- contact emergency services on the canal 16 priority and always listened to
- exchange information rapidly with other ships
- be geolocated thanks to the ASN function
- receive weather reports
Unlike cell phones, the VHF operates in the open sea, without the need for network coverage . It is also the only way for a distress call to be heard by all nearby boats that may be able to provide assistance.
You just have to know how to use it
Many yachtsmen have a VHF on board, but don't know how to make a distress call, or what to say. But in an emergency, every second counts. One wrong move, one position transmitted incorrectly, and intervention can be delayed.
A VHF is good, knowing how to use it is even better. On board, it's often the least experienced person who has to call for help. A good reason to train all crew members in the use of the radio. The RRC teaches the use and procedures for this radio.
