05 August 2013
The Jersey Fire and Rescue Service has issued a reminder to the public that hoax distress calls can put a strain on already busy resources and potentially endanger life.
The reminder follows an incident on Sunday evening (8 August) when three youths were reported to be in distress in the waters around the Dicq slip. The Inshore Rescue Boat was dispatched and the ambulance and police services were also alerted. On arrival at the scene, the boat crew realised that the apparent distress had been a hoax.
Fire and Rescue Service crew commander, Terry Noel, said that, while he was pleased no harm had actually come to anyone, this sort of hoax had the potential to place other lives at risk; especially if a real life-threatening emergency was called in. He commented: ‘While we encourage the public to make the most of this glorious weather we are experiencing, we do ask them to consider their actions in respect to causing such unnecessary responses from the emergency services.’
gov.je