The Channel Islands Air Search Annual Report for 2024 has been published and highlights statistics from across the year.
Channel Islands Air Search (CIAS) responded to 32 callouts in 2024, doubling the number from 2023, with operations ranging from missing persons to overdue vessels across land and sea. The volunteer crew of 20 dedicated over 2,050 hours to searches, exercises, and training, supported by essential fundraising efforts to cover £300,000 annual running costs.
The service was called on 32 times during 2024 and the average duration of a search was just over two hours. Marine and land based searches were split 50/50 although three calls included elements of both and Searches during the months of September and October accounted for just over 40% of the total calls for service.
Notable operations included locating a missing solo sailor and assisting in a high-profile search for a cruise ship passenger. Challenges include increasing competition for donations and the need for equipment upgrades, such as a new marine radar and mission management software.
