1298/2025 - Radio beacon search, Guernsey

26/08/2025

The crew were alerted by Guernsey Coastguard ("GCG") at 1344 hrs (all times local) for a 121.500mhz radio beacon search, estimated to be in Manche Grid box 272.  GCG advised that the signal had been identified the previous day but was noted to be very weak. The St Peter Port Lifeboat had just returned from an unrelated shout and had reported a stronger signal on return.  The signal had been identified from the mast at the airport on a bearing of 160 degrees. 

Coming off blocks at 1430 hrs Lions' Pride took off from runway 27 at 1440 hrs, turning left to track 160 degrees away from Guernsey Airport.  Initial tasking from GCG, was to fly a search leg at 160d egrees from Guernsey airport for a minimum of 10nm, covering GCG's area of control.  Three fishing vessels were showing on AIS as in the vicinity of box 272, but GCG confirmed these had already been interrogated by French coastguard and discounted.

Passing 10nm on the search track with nothing seen, GCG requested the search extended towards the SW corner of Jersey.  GCG provided an update that the signal had been identified as bearing 105 degrees from the airport, so requested a reciprocal search track to intercept that bearing.  Tracking up the west coast of Jersey, the reciprocal track was intercepted to the NW of Jersey and followed back towards St Martin's point. With nothing sighted, GCG requested a pass of Havelet Bay and outside St Peter Port harbour, before standing down the search at 1520hrs.

Lions' Pride returned to Guernsey Airport, landing on runway 27 at 1525hrs, before refuelling and was made ready for service.