Dramatic end to long range RAF rescue

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."