Beacons don’t belong in the bin! On 21 June AMSA we received a satellite detection of an unregistered EPIRB, 5km offshore of Avoca Beach. We tasked a Toll Ambulance Rescue helicopter RSCU206 with a specialist paramedic and retrieval doctor on board, and VMR Cottage Point to the area. RSCU206 couldn’t detect a signal over the water however homed the EPIRB to the nearby Kincumber Waste Transfer Facility. The crew landed at the tip and used a handheld homer to locate the beacon, before destroying it.
Incidents like these are a waste of time and emergency services resources. Signals from incorrectly disposed distress beacons can also interfere with passing air traffic and take rescue resources away from real community protection. Learn how to dispose of your unwanted beacons:
