A dramatic Search
and Rescue (SAR) mission that saw a Canadian seaman saved by a
Royal Air Force crew, took place more than 200 miles off the
Atlantic Coast yesterday.
Canadian Frigate, HMCS Montreal sent out a distress signal after
it ran into difficulties some 220 miles west of Ireland. With
deteriorating weather conditions and thick mist, locating the ship
might have proved a challenge. However, a Sea King helicopter from
RAF Valley in Anglesey, was the first on the scene.
Among the 225 seamen on board, was a 50-year-old man whose hand
had been crushed by the ship and whose fingers were at risk of
being amputated. Acting quickly, the RAF crew from ‘C’ Flight, 22
Squadron transferred him to Sligo hospital in Ireland for
emergency treatment and his hand was saved.
The rescue saw the helicopter fly to its maximum range as it
reached the remote point in the Atlantic; making it an extremely
long and complex mission requiring close cooperation with the
Irish authorities and Falmouth Coastguard. The Sea King was
stripped of surplus equipment to maximise its range and refuelled
at Blacksod airfield in Ireland before crossing the Atlantic to
rendezvous with the 4,770 tonne, 132 metre long vessel.
The Co-pilot Steve Wilders said: ‘It’s the first time in two
years that ‘C’ flight has been asked to carry out such a long
range rescue and it was touch and go whether we could make it in time.’
The Sea King landed on the rear deck of HMCS Montreal at 1736
hours and brought the 50 yr-old casualty and his escort safely
aboard. After a 2 hour flight to Sligo airport, the casualty was
taken by ambulance to hospital for successful emergency surgery.
Speaking from RAF Valley, Group Captain Jonathan Dixon, the RAF
Search and Rescue Force Commander said:
“The helicopter was operating at its maximum range so there was
no room for error. There was nowhere to land if things went wrong
or the fuel ran out. This mission highlights the dedication,
professionalism and bravery that the SAR crews display on a daily
basis. Last year, the SAR Force rescued nearly 2000 people in a
record breaking 2179 callouts; so far, this has been another busy
and successful year.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The RAF rescue crew included Wing Commander Steve Bentley
(Aircraft Captain), Flt Lt Steve Wilders (Co-pilot), Master
Aircrewman Rich Taylor (Winchman/paramedic) and Flight Sergeant
Nick Swannick (radar and winch operator)
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