Helicopter kept busy

THE SUMBURGH based coastguard helicopter was the fourth busiest in the entire of the UK in April, according to new figures.

The base received 22 tasks during the month, with only Newquay, Prestwick and Lee on Solent receiving more call-outs.

In April last year it was only tasked seven times.

Sumburgh was less busy elsewhere this year, with the base tasked 15 times in January this year, 18 times in February and just nine times in June.

The two Sumburgh search and rescue helicopters were called out 89 times in total between January and June this year.

Over 60 per cent of these calls were maritime related, with 28 per cent associated with land and nine per cent coast.