from the Irish Times. .
New Coast Guard helicopter for south east. .The south east is to get an "all-weather" twenty four hour marine emergency response helicopter, it was announced today.. .Minister of State at the Department of the Marine, Mr Hugh Byrne, today announced the awarding of a five year contract with CHC (Ireland) Ltd to provide the service based in Waterford city.. .It is planned that it will be in place from July 1st next. However, from May 1st CHC will provide an interim service on a twelve hours per day basis until the start of the main contract.
The new helicopter is one of the most highly-specified marine emergency helicopters in the world. It has specialised direction finding equipment and forward looking infa-red, which can detect people in the water through heat transmission. . .This will allow it to carry out rescues in all weather conditions, day and night.. .The helicopter can carry up to 15 survivors, can transport fully-equipped fire fighting crews and has up to five hours endurance in the air. It has a maximum range of 468 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 110 knots.. ."I also think it is fitting at this time to remember the four gallant crewmen who tragically lost their lives in July 1999", Mr Byrne added.. .
Presumably the Irish Times thought their readership wouldn't be interested in the name of their new
"one of the most highly-specified marine emergency helicopters in the world" - or perhaps the journo forgot to ask!
