Introduction
Mayday is an international distress signal used by ships and aircraft to indicate that they are in grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance. It is a critical communication tool that can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations.
Origin
The term ‘mayday’ comes from the French phrase “m’aider”, which means ‘help me’. It was officially adopted as the international distress signal in 1927 at the International Radiotelegraphic Convention in Washington, DC.
How is Mayday used?
Mayday is used in situations where there is a threat to life or property, such as a ship sinking, an aircraft experiencing engine failure, or a person lost at sea. When a distress call is made using mayday, it alerts nearby vessels or aircraft, as well as search and rescue teams, to come to the aid of the distressed party.
Example
One famous example of mayday being used in a real-life emergency is the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. The crew sent out multiple distress calls using the CQD signal (the precursor to mayday), which prompted nearby ships to come to their rescue.
Case Studies
- In 2017, a small plane crashed in a remote area of Alaska, and the pilot was able to send out a mayday call using a handheld radio. The call was picked up by a passing aircraft, which relayed the distress signal to air traffic control, leading to the successful rescue of the pilot.
- In 2015, a fishing boat off the coast of New Zealand sent out a mayday call when it began taking on water. The call was heard by a nearby cargo ship, which diverted course to assist the stranded fishermen, ultimately saving their lives.
Statistics
According to the International Maritime Organization, there are over 10,000 distress calls made using mayday each year, with an average response time of less than 30 minutes. These calls result in thousands of lives being saved annually.
