Navy rescue helicopter soars to January record
Published: 09 Feb 2015
From Royal Navy
The Royal Navy’s Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter unit, based at HMS Gannet near Prestwick, has had one of its busiest January’s on record.
Flight 177 was called out a total of 32 times – almost double the number in 2014 when it attended 18 shouts – which represented a quarter of all military SAR taskings (127) around eight UK bases last month.
RAF Chivenor in Devon was next most active, with 21 rescues.
HMS Gannet’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Charlie Fuller, said: “These figures are a true testament to the professionalism and determination not only of the aircrew who attend each rescue, but also the maintenance and support staff which keeps our helicopters ready to fly at a moment’s notice.”