'Large' search and rescue exercise to take place today

A wide range of resources to be deployed

A large search and rescue exercise is to get underway in the waters around the south of the Island today (Friday 19 September).

The exact location of the exercise will be determined by this morning, with 'weather conditions and operational considerations guiding final decisions'.

If poor weather conditions prevent the exercise being held outdoors, it will still go ahead but will be conducted in a simulated format.

It is designed to test the combined search and rescue response capabilities of the Isle of Man Coastguard, HM Coastguard, Irish Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service. 

As a result, a wide range of search and rescue resources will be deployed, including helicopters, lifeboats, and a fixed-wing spotter aircraft, to create a realistic training scenario. 

Emergency services have given advanced warning.

Andy Mulhern, from the Coastguard, said: "Exercises like this are a vital part of ensuring our search and rescue agencies are ready to respond together in real incidents. 

"By working closely with our partners from the UK, Ireland and the RNLI, we strengthen our collective ability to save lives and keep people safe at sea."

The exercise will take place from 9.30am until 4pm.