HM Coastguard Folkestone

27/05/2026

📟 On what has possibly been our busiest weekend ever, the team have responded to 17 taskings over the last 5 days, including 7 yesterday alone.

From missing persons, overdue swimmers, lost children, paddleboarders, possible paramotor in distress to a bin fire and a highly suspicious looking bucket - they’ve left their beds, BBQs and beloveds to assist other people without hesitation.

Despite having been called out at 0330 yesterday morning they were happy to stay on for training last night after 5 more consecutive taskings, only to head out again 5 mins later for the 7th time (the ice creams and lollies may have helped…)

So as their proud and grateful Station Officer – I’d like to say Thank You – you’re all amazing 👏

In an emergency on the coast 📞9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the Coastguard

13/03/2026

Nine years ago tonight Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, Captain Mark Duffy, Winchman Ciarán Smith and Winch Operator Paul Ormsby set out on task on board Rescue 116, and were tragically lost in the early hours of the 14th March.
Always remembered in our Coastguard family, never to be forgotten.

06/03/2026

193 souls were lost on the Herald of Free Enterprise on this night, 39 years ago, Friday 6th March 1987, shortly after leaving the port of Zebrugge.
We remember them today, as always, and think of their families, their friends, the survivors and the rescuers.
~ Rest in Peace ~

01/03/2026

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 to our Welsh friends and colleagues.

February was a routine month with 5 taskings, mainly investigations of objects seen on beaches or at sea with a search and concern for safety in the water as well.

In an emergency on the coast - 📞9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the Coastguard

14/02/2026

🌹 Roses are red 🌹
💙 Coastguards are blue 💙
😳 In distress on the coast? 😳
📟 We'll come rescue you! 📟

Whatever you're doing for Valentine's Day - have fun and stay safe

01/01/2026

Happy New Year to all our wonderful flank teams across Area 8, all the other services we work with, our supporters and most importantly our families who enable us to go out and do what we do - here's to an amazing 2026 💫

01/01/2026

Happy New Year to all our wonderful flank teams across Area 8, all the other services we work with, our supporters and most importantly our families who enable us to go out and do what we do - here's to an amazing 2026 💫

23/12/2025

23/12/2025

📟Tasking 0627hrs Tues 231225

Tasked to a large clump of rope wrapped round a marker pole off Princes Parade to see if we could remove it to prevent a hazard to swimmers, wildlife and other water users.

On arrival we were able to access it from the concrete plinth, cut it free from the pole and drag it up the beach.

By happy and perfect coincidence a Folkestone & Hythe District Council refuse truck had not long passed by so we chased him down and he very kindly agreed to come back to our location and take it for disposal - thank you so much - that made this a very slick job!

For emergencies on the coast 📞9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the Coastguard

10/11/2025

📟 Tasking 071125 - tasked to investigate a buoy washed up along Princes Parade.
We dragged it out of the surf and rolled it up the beach for collection once an owner is established.
Last time we did this our video got 2.5 million views… so should this buoy be renamed the ‘4 Divas’?