The new-look HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter has been in action in an exercise involving a ferry on the Clyde.
A simulated medical evacuation exercise was carried out with CalMac’s MV Argyle and HM Coastguard’s S-92 helicopter based at Prestwick during the ferry’s journey from Rothesay to Gourock – Cloch Lighthouse is visible in the background of one of the images, which were taken from the bridge of the ferry.
A CalMac spokesperson said: “Such exercises are carried out with relative frequency on a number of our ferries up and down the 200-mile network.
“The exercise lasted approximately 12 minutes and went well – a brief announcement was made on the ferry to let passengers know what was happening so that they wouldn’t be alarmed by the presence of the helicopter.
“CalMac is always happy to work with emergency services in training scenarios like this providing it is safe to do so and that there is no impact on the timetable and normal operation of the vessel.”
HM Coastguard took over provision of helicopter search and rescue for much of the west coast from the Royal Navy’s HMS Gannet on January 1 2016.
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