EMERGENCY rescue teams, helicopters and lifeboats are operating normally today as union members stage the first strike by Coastguard agency staff.

Up to 700 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are taking part in a 24-hour walkout over pay which started at 7am.

Resources such as helicopters, tugs and Coastguard Rescue Teams are not taking part in the industrial action and the lifeboats will operate as normal.

The MCA is responsible for providing a 24-hour maritime search and rescue service and receives around 18,000 emergency calls a year.

Coastguard officers in Dover keep track of all ships in the Channel, and volunteers are helping to keep the service running.