Hope they don't ground it as the UK Search & Rescue system depend on them now that the AB139 isn't working either !
A fairly contentious comment on two fronts...
The UK SAR system does not depend on the S92. It is merely one element of a multi agency / platform system.
If required to, either the RAF/ RN may be asked to cover for the Coast Guard within the constraints of their own manning / serviceability issues, as they have before, (just like the coastguard have helped out the military before) or the contractor will, as they have done in the past for the 139, provide alternative assets.
secondly, if in due course, the S92 is grounded then it will be for specific safety reasons. In which case I would argue that the safety of the crew(s) is of greater importance than the effect it may or may not have on the UK SAR system.
I appreciate Special that the comment was probably just a throw away line but in the present climate everything on these threads is being scrutinised by the media.
SW