Video mayday

Mayday is an emergency procedure word used internationally as a distress signal in voice communication.

The term "mayday" is used to request emergency assistance. It is taken from the French phrase "m'aidez" which means "help me".

Mayday is used in radio communication as a warning of a ship or aircraft in distress. The use of the word began in 1923 when a British seaplane carrying passengers crashed into the English Channel. The passengers were unable to release the life raft, so they sent a mayday call.

Since then, the word has been used in many other emergencies, including the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

The mayday call is usually made on the international emergency frequency of 121.5 MHz.

When making a mayday call, the following information must be provided,

• The name of the vessel or aircraft in distress.

• The type of emergency.

• The location of the vessel or aircraft.

• The number of people on board.

• The nature of the emergency.