A comprehensive resource for safe and responsible laser use

South Africa: Laser beam aimed at Sea Rescue vessels

South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute said that for the first time, laser beams were aimed at NSRI sea vessels engaged in a search, which "completely disrupted" the search. Previously, helicopters were the laser targets.

From News24

UK: Green laser "attack" on lifeboat; mission proceeds

A Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboat crew was illuminated by green laser light as they searched for a missing person on July 9 2018 near Redcar, North Yorkshire.

The RNLI launching authority said “This was an appalling, reckless attack on our crew. They were navigating in near total darkness. The laser could have permanently damaged any of the crew’s vision had it shone directly into their eyes. Not only could it have done serious harm to our volunteers, it might well have jeopardized the rescue mission and put other lives at risk.”

None of the crew were harmed. The lifeboat continued its search; the missing person was eventually found by a police helicopter.

From TeessideLive

Wales: Laser from shore delays lifeboat sea rescue

A lifeboat crew member was temporarily blinded by a laser aimed from shore, during a rescue operation to tow a catamaran to safety in choppy seas. The August 2 2015 incident took place off the Vale of Glamorgan coast, southeast of the town of Porthcawl in South Wales.

A green beam was repeatedly aimed at both of Porthcawl’s lifeboats during the rescue of the crew and the catamaran. The helmsman “was able to recover his vision and resume the operation soon after,” according to a news account.

South Wales police were called to the scene by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Porthcawl, but did not find the perpetrator. They are asking the public for any information.

From Wales Online