UK’s civilian search and rescue helicopter service launched at Humberside Airport

The UK’s civilian search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service has been inaugurated at the new SAR base at Humberside Airport.

The Search and Rescue Helicopter service will be operated by Bristow Helicopters on behalf of HM Coastguard.

In March 2013, Bristow Helicopters was awarded ten-year UK SAR contract by the UK Department for Transport.

Under the contract, the company will deliver the service from ten bases which are strategically located close to areas of high SAR incident rates. The bases are planned to be commissioned in a phased approach starting in 01 April 2015.

The Bristow crews will use helicopters, featuring latest search and rescue technology including night vision, mission management and increased onboard medical capabilities, to deliver the UK SAR helicopter service.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency chief executive Sir Alan Massey said: "The RAF and RN have set the bar incredibly high, and I would like to thank them for their service and recognise the outstanding work they have done both inland and on the coast over many decades."

Bristow Helicopters UK Search and Rescue director Samantha Willenbacher said: "We have worked closely with them in preparing for the civilian service to go live and have also welcomed many of them into the new civilian SAR force, including Chief Pilot here at Humberside Liz Forsyth, a former SAR Commander at RAF Lossiemouth and Pilot Flight Commander at RAF Valley."

HM Coastguard is a part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which is a frontline delivery and emergency response organisation. It provides a maritime emergency prevention and response capability the UK.