A new Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter base has entered service
with HM Coastguard to support search and rescue response over the
summer months.
The base in Oban, Argyll and Bute launched on Sunday 15 March,
and includes a modern Search and Rescue Hangar, an operational
planning room, offices and rest areas for crews. An HM Coastguard
AgustaWestland AW189 rescue helicopter will be based at Oban from
April to September, with a readiness of 15 minutes between the
hours of 9am and 9pm.
On the same day, HM Coastguard received a new helicopter
operating 24/7 out of HM Coastguard's established helicopter base
in Caernarfon, Gwynedd. The AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter will
replace the base's current Sikorsky S-92 aircraft.
The new seasonal base at Oban, along with another set to open in
Carlisle, will increase search and rescue provision in two of the
busiest locations for summer tourism. They have been brought into
service through HM Coastguard's national UKSAR2G programme, which
delivers next-generation SAR capability across the UK via HM
Coastguard's fleet of helicopters and aeroplanes.
Delivered by Bristow Helicopters Ltd, the two aviation contracts
will provide enhanced value for money for the taxpayer and
support ongoing innovation throughout the life of the 10-year
contract.
Chief Coastguard Paddy O'Callaghan said:
We're pleased to take into service a new seasonal base at Oban
and a state-of-the-art new aircraft further down the coast at
Caernarfon.
Both form part of the UKSAR2G programme, demonstrating HM
Coastguard's commitment to innovation and ongoing enhancement, as
well as continuing our core work in saving lives at sea and on
the coast.
