A large scale search operation on the River Foyle last night has been determined as accidental activation of an emergency beacon.
Foyle Search and Rescue, PSNI the Coastguard, and the Rescue 118 helicopter were tasked to the scene in the early hours of the morning following an activation of an EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. There were reports of a strobe light being observed at 3.25am.
Foyle Search and Rescue battled in stormy conditions as they checked several anchored vessels and used Thermal imaging.
At 6am, the active EPIRB was traced to an abandoned vessel. Foyle Search and Rescue deployed a Jetski to recover the beacon.
The EPIRB was handed over to Coastguard who ascertained its origins via an ID number. All agencies were then satisfied it had been an accidental activation and that no one had entered the water.
“Appreciation to everyone involved,” said the rescue crew.
