Firstly & more importantly, a job well done, lives where saved.
It was prudent to send the longer range Sea King on this one, given the range, weather and possible time required on scene with 18 sailors. The mission took 4 hours 25 minutes according to the Form R. This time was within the capability of the S61 with a long range tank, it would have landed with about 20 minutes of fuel left & not via the Faeroe’s.
The press no doubt have done the usual ‘dramatic’ additions for the medal’s chuck up. Either that or the RAF Sea King took off with less than a full fuel, which would have been somewhat foolish given the nature of the tasking. The fuel state on landing should have been a comfortable hours flying time? If the press are correct & I’m off the mark with the figures, then perhaps the aircraft Nav/Captain could enlighten me.