Cruise Ship Canberra ran out of fuel 2 miles off the Isle of Wight in a force 8 at 0130 hrs. Over 2000 persons on board.
The CIVIL SAR at Lee on Solent had 2 aircraft fully manned and ready to go in 30 mins.
Very commendable but I'm not sure of the relevance? Hope we are not straying into mil Vs civ again.
Firstly, an undeclared capability is nice but no one can plan around it.
Secondly, two S61s (or Sea Kings) are a 'Tick on the arse of the Rhinoceros' when it comes to evacuating a cruise ship in a hurry.