Originally Posted by
DOUBLE BOGEY
I really do not think focusing on the otigin of the task is helpful or relevant. The Coastguard have a mission capability and a contract with the Irish Government, to launch when requested. If you have never worked SAR or HEMS, the line between "Serious Injuries" and minor is not ever clear.A lacerated hand, with exposed bone and sinew, bleeding profusely, is a serious injury and if the vessel is 2 days out in a difficult sea the situation is much clearer.
However, the mission of this helicopter was to support the first helicopter and in that respect their mission is essential and valid under the assumed operating criteria.
Finally I am sure the fisherman himself played no part in the decision to launch SAR assets. Better we stick to the circumstances of accident rather than start blaming the reason it was flying.
Otherwise we would have to blame the Tenerife 747 Accident on the passengers cos the B*****ds went on holidays instead of working.