Dumped distress beacon wastes rescuers' time and resources

Tauranga Search and Rescue were called out today after aircraft flying into Tauranga and Rotorua reported they were receiving a signal from an emergency locator beacon from within the greater Tauranga Area.

This beacon was not being picked up by satellite and was assumed to be an old 121MHz model, which is no longer monitored.

Tauranga Coast Guard, using direction finding equipment, spent just over two hours sweeping the harbour up to Katikati trying to locate the source without success.

Specialist radio signal tracking equipment was brought over from Hamilton by the RCCNZ (Rescue Coordination Centre), which narrowed the signal down to the Te Maunga Refuse Centre on Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui.

While the operator was there, the signal stopped and it is presumed the beacon was disabled as refuse was being crushed at the time.

Western Bay of Plenty SAR Coordinator Sergeant Craig Madden says disposing of an emergency location beacon in this way was careless and irresponsible.

"Anyone still in possession of the older 121 or 243 MHz distress beacon should hand them in to either the local Police Station or your local Coast Guard for deactivation prior to disposal."

The new emergency beacons operating on 406 MHz have been the only beacon monitored by RCCNZ since 1 February 2009.

"The new 406 has considerably greater advantages, with its signal being picked up by Satellite within minutes. In addition, each signal sends a unique identification code with it so if it is registered with RCCNZ, details of the owner and their known activities , significantly reducing the time rescuers located the party in distress.