4HolerPoler
2nd May 2005, 15:33
Lifesaving SA's rescue helicopter service has been grounded after the current sponsorship contract came to an end. This leaves the coastline with no dedicated rescue helicopter service, said James Ross, rescue helicopter manager for Lifesaving SA, on Monday. "Finding people missing in the sea is almost impossible from the shore and extremely difficult from boats," Ross said. "Only helicopters can perform this role effectively."
Nokia had agreed to continue supporting the service but to a lesser degree than before. "Without a major sponsor, the Nokia funding alone is not sufficient to continue the service. We hope that big business will take advantage of this opportunity and put us back in the sky," said Ross. In the interim, Lifesaving SA had equipped its crew members, at strategic points along the coastline in KZN, with surf rescue equipment and had them on 24 hour standby for emergencies. "Our crew members will respond in their private vehicles, backed up by the SAPS Air Wing helicopter, SAPS Search & Rescue, NSRI, and other emergency services." In the Western Cape crews would respond with the assistance of the Skymed helicopter.
It's happened before - let's hope it's not too long before a new sponsor is found.
4HP
Nokia had agreed to continue supporting the service but to a lesser degree than before. "Without a major sponsor, the Nokia funding alone is not sufficient to continue the service. We hope that big business will take advantage of this opportunity and put us back in the sky," said Ross. In the interim, Lifesaving SA had equipped its crew members, at strategic points along the coastline in KZN, with surf rescue equipment and had them on 24 hour standby for emergencies. "Our crew members will respond in their private vehicles, backed up by the SAPS Air Wing helicopter, SAPS Search & Rescue, NSRI, and other emergency services." In the Western Cape crews would respond with the assistance of the Skymed helicopter.
It's happened before - let's hope it's not too long before a new sponsor is found.
4HP