It seems that the MCGA are now providing "Top Cover" to our SAR crews who do their sterling job 250 miles out to sea...
Statement from them on the recent Chivenor based rescue of a 21yr old Sea Cadet 250 miles west of Ireland.
The long distance involved with the evacuation necessitates that the Rescue helicopter from Royal Marines Barracks (RMB) Chivenor has top cover, which will be provided by the Maritime and Coastguard Agencys fixed wing maritime surveillance aircraft. This will enable communications to be maintained and safe monitoring of the evacuation.
So, thinking that our Coast Guard only have their Islanders and the Coventry based Atlantic Air Transport Cessna 404 twin turboprops for contract work.... what are they using for long range fixed wing SAR cover?
Or do they mean they asked the Irish Air Corps for help using their CN235 Patrol aircraft?