On the Helicopter Seychelles website. For info.
SHARK HUNT MISSION FOR HELICOPTER TEAM
Helicopter Seychelles has boosted the nation’s efforts to track the rogue shark which has claimed two holidaymakers’ lives in waters around Praslin island in recent weeks.
Launching a series of aerial surveillance missions from its base on neighbouring Mahé, the company’s pilots were joined by a representative of the Seychelles coastguard.
Helicopter captains Matt Hayes, Patrick Muirhead and Chad Baxter, led by the company’s Head of Operations Capt Shaun Tinkler-Rose, used a float-fitted Bell JetRanger aircraft S7-HGN for the sorties, following a request for help from the Seychelles Government.
The crews operated low-level, carrying out sweeps of the inshore waters near the beaches in the vicinity of the attacks in support of coastguard vessels deploying shark nets.
“The twin tragedies on Praslin have affected everyone here very profoundly,” said Capt Tinkler-Rose. “We were asked by the Government for our assistance and we were delighted to offer our aircraft at no cost for this important role.”
He added: “The country, and the world beyond, is aware of the robust multi-agency response being mounted here to confront this problem. We are supplying our services as part of our commitment to support the country in the best way we can.”
The Helicopter Seychelles pilots involved in each two-hour flying mission include European trained ex-Royal Navy Search and Rescue personnel. They were supported by Helicopter Seychelles’ team of engineers and operational ground crew.
Since its inception in 1992, Helicopter Seychelles has supplied a diverse range of flying services beyond luxury passenger transfers, ranging from medical evacuation to fire fighting.
The company is currently awaiting final approval of its licence renewal to fly paying passengers and hopes to return to full public transport operations shortly.