News / New Coastguard choppers create a stir
THREE state of the art Coastguard helicopters arrived in Shetland on Saturday in preparation for Bristow Helicopters to take over the search and rescue contract from Canadian firm CHC.
Crews have completed a three month training slot with the new helicopters at Inverness airport before flying north to Sumburgh.
Having won the UK gap search and rescue contract, Bristow is due to commence operations at Sumburgh on 1 June, and at Stornoway a month later.
The brand new Sikorsky S-92 helicopters have been fitted out with the latest night vision equipment and other features to help coastguard officers carry out their emergency work in the tough northern conditions.
These include the latest night vision goggles, forward looking infrared and thermal imaging equipment and high illumination lighting to make it easier to work in the dark.
Long range fuel tanks will help the aircraft to fly the extra distance to reach a vessel in difficulty.
Bristow’s Mike Imlach said: “With training complete we are fully prepared to begin operations of the gap search and rescue service in northern Scotland, and we look forward to operations commencing on 1 June from Sumburgh.”
Sumburgh Airport manager Nigel Flaws added that everybody at the airport was proud to be part of the UK’s search and rescue network.
“We wish them well as they prepare to embark on a new phase of operations from Sumburgh. Their work is of vital importance to communities across the northern isles,” he said.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
