U.K. search and rescue capabilities have received a double boost with the opening of a new base in Scotland and delivery of a new SAR helicopter in Wales.
As per a press statement from the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency, last Sunday a new seasonal SAR base was opened in Oban in Argyll, western Scotland.
The new facility includes an operational planning room and a hangar to house its AgustaWestland AW189 rescue helicopter.
A second seasonal base is set to open in Carlisle in April to boost SAR readiness and capabilities in two of the busiest locations for summer tourism. Both bases will remain operational until September.
And on the same day the HM Coastguard team operating out of the helicopter base in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, received their new AW189 helicopter. Both upgrades fell under the auspices of the continuing U.K. Second-Generation Search and Rescue Aviation programme (UKSAR2G).
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 our continuing our core work in saving lives at sea and on the coast.”
- You can read more details on the UK Government website