MODERN USAGE OF MORSE CODE

Torch used in Morse code rescue

Coastguards in Hampshire have rescued a sailor who used his torch to flash an SOS message in Morse code. The man, who was taking his 28ft (8.5m) boat from Emsworth to Thorneham Marina when it began to take on water, had no safety equipment onboard. His SOS was picked up by Steve Mann at Hayling Island Sailing Club on Thursday evening, who responded by switching the control tower lights on and off. Mr Mann said: "I was absolutely amazed to see the flashed SOS message." 'Extremely dangerous' The man had recently acquired a new boat and had transferred all his safety equipment onto it. Mr Mann, of Hayling Island Coastguard, said: "This man was caught out on the one occasion he went to sea with absolutely no safety equipment. "Even without radio communication going to sea without even a portable flare is extremely dangerous and could cost you your life." Coastguards and the RNLI lifeboat brought the man and his boat back to shore, where he was checked over by paramedics.