Shipping Forecast Fails To Air For First Time In Decades

31st May 2014

#Weather - The BBC's Shipping Forecast failed to air as scheduled yesterday morning for the first time in 90 years.

The Guardian reports that the mishap was the result of a technical glitch whereby BBC Radio 4's overnight switchover to the World Service did not switch back as planned in time for the 5.20am weather bulletin for the UK and Ireland's shipping areas.

Many listeners were quick to voice their displease on social media, though the forecast did eventually go out at 6.40am, an hour and 20 minutes late.

However, the glitch may be seen as a bad omen for some after warnings late last year over a transmitter shutdown now ongoing that may affect reception of the Shipping Forecast in the Irish Sea.

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MacDara Conroy

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MacDara Conroy is a contributor covering all things on the water, from boating and wildlife to science and business

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