merrion street

· 300 missions completed in 2015 to date, exceeding previous mission count of 275 in any single year.
· New Helicopter fleet enhances capacity of Coast Guard to move people from danger to safety.
· Coast Guard conduct 900 missions overall so far this year.

This week the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) helicopter crew based in Sligo successfully completed their 300th search and rescue (SAR) mission in 2015, thus surpassing the previous record of 275 missions in a single year. Services provided by the Sligo helicopter include; operations conducted off the West and North West coasts out to 200 miles, services to casualties on offshore island and support provided to the HSE ambulance service.

Speaking today Minister Michael Ring said: “This is a good news story. We should be very proud that we have a world class Coast Guard helicopter service delivering year round, day and night support to our people be they at sea or on land. I am very mindful of the excellent cooperation that exists between the Coast Guard helicopter service and the HSE ambulance service, ensuring that casualties in need of urgent care can be quickly transported to hospitals”.

Minister Ring also acknowledged the excellent work of the Volunteer Coast Guard teams in supporting the Sligo based helicopter; “Our Coast Guard volunteer teams from Mayo, Galway, Clare and Donegal regularly support helicopter operations in the North West by preparing landing sites and assisting casualties, and we are greatly indebted to their commitment and professionalism”

Last year the Sligo team, also known as ‘Rescue 118’ was awarded the Frederick L. Feinberg award for outstanding achievement for a SAR mission completed in the Bluestack Mountains, Donegal.

The Coast Guard operate three other helicopter bases in Shannon, Dublin, and Waterford who between them to date have completed nearly 900 missions in 2015.

The increased level of activity is indicative of the increased operating capability of the recently acquired S-92 helicopters. As well as longer range and improved cruising speeds, the Coast Guard helicopter fleet is equipped with enhanced rescue mission technology, including infrared and low light cameras, a ‘night sun’ searchlight, a modern dual-hoist system, and a satellite communications system.

“We can take great pride in the work that is carried out by the Coast Guard Helicopter team in Sligo and at the three other bases. On behalf of the government and people of the North West I congratulate them on reaching this significant milestone”, Minister Ring concluded.