HM Coastguard - Portpatrick

19/05/2026

🚨 First Call Out for Our Training Duo 🚨

This evening our team was tasked to reports of an overdue hydro boarder after a vehicle was discovered parked in a local car park, raising concerns for the occupant’s welfare.

🔎Following enquiries and coordination, the casualty was thankfully located safe and well at home.

📟This incident also marked the first call out for two of our newest recruits, giving them valuable experience working alongside the team.

🌊 A reminder to everyone heading onto or near the water: always let someone know your plans, expected return time and where you intend to be. Carry a means of communication where possible and if your plans change; remember to let others know.

☎️ In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

13/05/2026

Tonight we’re proud to welcome two new recruits to the Portpatrick HM Coastguard Rescue Team.

Joining a Coastguard team takes commitment, resilience, and a willingness to step forward when others need help most. These two have already shown great enthusiasm and dedication, and we’re delighted to have them on board.

Having now completed their initial training they’ll practise their new found knowledge as part of the team; learning the skills needed to respond confidently to incidents along our coastline and support the local community.

Welcome to the team, Victoria and Zak — we’re glad to have you with us.

13/04/2026

Honouring 32 Years of Dedicated Service – Thank You, Iain

We mark the end of an incredible chapter as Iain Ritchie stands down after 32 years of dedicated service with HM Coastguard - Portpatrick.

Following in proud family footsteps, Iain continued a legacy of service that began with his grandfather and uncle, both valued members of the team. That tradition still lives on with his cousin, David continuing to serve today.

Together; they have given nearly 100 years of combined service to the Coastguard—an extraordinary contribution to the safety of our local community and those at sea.

Throughout his time, Iain has been part of countless callouts, training exercises and rescues—always ready to answer the call, no matter the conditions. His experience, calmness under pressure and willingness to support others have made him a respected and valued member of the team.

Volunteering in roles like this often goes unseen, but it is people like Iain who form the backbone of our emergency services, giving their time to help others in their moments of greatest need.

Iain, thank you for your commitment, professionalism and dedication over the past three decades. You leave with the respect and gratitude of your colleagues and community and a legacy that will not be forgotten.

We wish you all the very best for the future!

Please join us in thanking Iain for his incredible service 👏

31/12/2025

🎉 Happy New Year from HM Coastguard - Portpatrick🎉

As we say goodbye to another year, we’d like to thank our local community and everyone who supports HM Coastguard While not every call-out makes it onto Facebook, our team was tasked to around 50 incidents across the region this year — responding day and night, in all weathers, whenever help was needed.

We’re incredibly proud of the dedication, teamwork and professionalism shown by our volunteers and our partner emergency services throughout the year. 💛

As we head into the new year, please remember:
🌊 Check the weather and tides
📱 Let someone know your plans
🦺 Carry the right safety equipment
🚨 In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

Stay safe, look after one another, and we wish you all a happy, healthy and safe New Year. 🥂✨

— HM Coastguard Portpatrick
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Belfast Coastguard
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
RNLI
Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?

28/12/2025

🔦Reports of Erratic Light Near Killantrigan Lighthouse 🎣

Yesterday HM Coastguard received reports of an erratic light seen at the bottom of the cliffs near Killantrigan Lighthouse.

The team was paged at 17:35 and responded, supported by Stranraer coastguard rescue team. After meeting with the first informant, some of the team went on to investigate the area.

Portpatrick Lifeboat was also requested to provide lighting but was stood down shortly after being paged.

The flashing light was located and confirmed to be from a fisherman set up on the shore, who was safe and not in any danger.

This incident was a false alarm with good intent. Thank you to the member of the public who raised their concerns — if in doubt, it’s always right to call it in.

📞 In an emergency on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Belfast Coastguard
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?

25/12/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from Portpatrick Coastguard Rescue Team 🎄

We’re proud to volunteer in our local community and grateful for the continued support from our families, partner agencies, and everyone who helps keep our coastline safe throughout the year.

If you’re heading out over the festive period, please take care, check the conditions, and remember:
📞 In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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07/11/2025

🌟A big thank you to everyone who has already applied – your interest and commitment are greatly appreciated!🌟

🔵🟡🔵🟡🔵🟡🔵🟡🔵🟡🔵🟡🔵🟡🔵

🚨 2026 RECRUITMENT – COME JOIN OUR TEAM! 🚨
AREA 16 – SCOTLAND

Do you have what it takes to search, rescue, and save lives?

HM Coastguard is still accepting applications for Coastguard Rescue Officers in the following teams:
Ayr • Girvan • Ballantrae • Stranraer • Portpatrick • Drummore • Isle of Whithorn • Portling • Kirkcudbright • Annan

As a Coastguard Rescue Officer, you’ll be part of a dedicated volunteer team trained to respond to coastal emergencies – from search and rescue operations to water rescue, rope rescue, and helicopter support. 🌊🚁

No previous experience is required – full training and equipment are provided.
All we ask is that you:
✅ Hold a full UK driving licence
✅ Are in good health
✅ Live or work within 20 minutes of your chosen Coastguard team

📅 Training dates:
10th–13th April 2026
8th–11th May 2026
(Please only apply if you can attend these sessions.)

🕓 Applications close Sunday 30th November 2025 – so there’s still time to apply!

👉 Apply now: https://hmcoastguard.uk/volunteer-as-a-coastguard

Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?

02/11/2025

🎊 Portpatrick Loony Dook 2026 is ON! 🏊‍♀️🥶

🥳The Portpatrick Loony Dook is happening again on Thursday 1st January 2026 at 3pm! It’s a fantastic way to welcome the new year and raise money for great causes.

Who's ready to wash away the cobwebs of 2025 with an icy dip for charity?!

The Coastguard team will be in the area to support the event.

Join us for the famous Portpatrick Loony Dook on New Year's Day, 2026!
• 🗓️ Date: Thursday, 1st January 2026
• ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Portpatrick Beach, Stranraer
• 🤝 Goal: To raise thousands of pounds for local good causes!
Get your fancy dress ready, grab your towels, and prepare for the ultimate New Year's Day adrenaline rush! The more the merrier—let's make 2026 a record year for fundraising!

In a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Loony Dook 2026
Thursday 1st January @ 3pm
Who's Joining Us ??

23/10/2025

2026 RECRUITMENT- COME JOIN OUR TEAM - AREA 16 SCOTLAND

Do you have what it takes to search, to rescue and to save?

HM Coastguard is looking to recruit Coastguard Rescue Officers for the following teams:
Ayr,
Girvan,
Ballantrae,
Stranraer,
Portpatrick,
Drummore,
Isle of Whithorn,
Portling,
Kirkcudbright,
Annan.

As a Coastguard Rescue Officer you will be trained and equipped to carry out search and rescue operations along our coastline – at any time during the day or night and in all weathers.

Coastguard Rescue Officers are volunteers trained in missing persons search, water rescue, rope rescue, helicopter operations and much more.

No experience is necessary as full training will be given. All that we ask is that you hold a full UK drivers licence and be in good health. Applicants must also live/work within 20 minutes of the Coastguard team you are applying for.

The training will run from the following dates. 10th to 13th April and 8th to 11th May.

Please only apply if you can attend above training dates.

Recruitment will close on Sunday 30th November 2025, you can apply now using the link below

https://hmcoastguard.uk/volunteer-as-a-coastguard

09/10/2025

🇳🇴 In Solidarity with the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (RS)

Today, Thursday 9th October, HM Coastguard - Portpatrick stands in solidarity with our colleagues at the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (RS) following the tragic loss of one of their crew members.

🕯️ Adrian Willyson Brask, a highly respected member of RS, made the ultimate sacrifice during a rescue operation on 26th September. His dedication and bravery exemplify the values shared by all who serve within the global search and rescue community.

The loss of a fellow rescuer is a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those who commit their lives to saving others.

Our deepest condolences go to Adrian’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those affected by this tragedy.

We stand united with Redningsselskapet(RS), RNLI, and our wider SAR colleagues in remembrance and respect. 💛🚩