Portland aircraft lifted 12 off "Ice Prince" in January before having to go back for fuel. Then returned to lift a further 8 but not needed. They were taken off by lifeboat in horrendous conditions, some of the survivors jumping straight to the lifeboat and being very lucky to be pulled on board! The lifeboat cox is up for an award for this job.
BTW this was all
after 2100hrs.
No matter what the MCA are saying, the 139 would not have been able to do the job but they are hoping it just does not happen again.
