The Channel Islands Air Search team has experienced a significant increase in callouts during the autumn months.
Between 1 September and 27 October 2024, CIAS responded to 12 calls, with just two resulting in a stand down before take-off. In contrast, for the same period in 2023, CIAS received just one callout on 24 October.
This year’s activity equates to around 25 hours of airborne searching time, with the crew contributing over 200 volunteer hours. This is in addition to the ground and flight training required to maintain currency and hours of administration time.
In an average year, CIAS may expect between 30 and 40 calls for service, with most of these being a life in danger situation. Of these, about 60% will result in searches being flown, the remainder being calls to readiness only. The CIAS are a voluntary service providing a rapid response airborne search and rescue service in Channel Islands waters and do not make a charge for performing searches or responding to calls for standby.
John Fitzgerald, Accountable Manager, said: “An increase in the utilisation of CIAS by the Channel Islands and French authorities is a testament to the skills of the crew and the sophistication of the kit on board the aircraft. We’re now a key search and rescue asset for the wider community, responding to 26 callouts this year alone when lives were at risk.”
