Blackpool Sea Rescue Turns into Social Media Shame with Arrest
A huge early-morning sea rescue at Blackpool’s Central Pier ended in farce after it emerged as a fake emergency cooked up for social media likes. The hoax sparked a major rescue effort – but finished with a teenager arrested and a stern warning from authorities.
Full Rescue Squad Duped by Fake ‘Person Overboard’
At 2:30 AM on January 13, emergency services were called to reports of someone in the water near Central Pier. The false alarm saw:
- 12 HM Coastguard volunteers dive into action
- Two RNLI lifeboats launched into choppy seas
- The National Police Air Service (NPAS) and Coastguard Rescue 936 helicopter scrambled
- Blackpool Police, Fire Brigade, and paramedics rushing to the scene
After a tense 90-minute search in tough conditions, the victim was nowhere to be found. Authorities quickly uncovered the entire incident was staged just to boost online fame.
Chilling Laser Attack on Rescue Helicopter Crew
The drama worsened when the rescue helicopter crew were blinded by a laser pen aimed at them from the ground. This reckless act seriously endangered air safety and is not the first incident of its kind in Blackpool.
“Laser pens cause a significant risk to our air crew and seriously hamper their efforts to locate people in difficulty and save lives,” a Coastguard spokesperson warned. “It is incredibly irresponsible to target aircraft with such devices.”
Teen Arrested Over Hoax and Laser Attack Faces Serious Charges
Blackpool Police nabbed a 19-year-old man on suspicion of causing a public nuisance. He remains in custody awaiting further action.
Under the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018, targeting aircraft with lasers carries unlimited fines and up to five years behind bars.
The Coastguard urges everyone: report real emergencies by calling 999. False alarms waste crucial resources and put lives at risk.
In a coastal emergency? Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard – don’t mess about.
