HM Coastguard opens seasonal Search and Rescue helicopter bases at Oban and Carlisle, increasing summer SAR capacity and faster response times.
HM Coastguard has strengthened its emergency response capability for the busy summer period with the opening of two new seasonal Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter bases at Oban and Carlisle.
The new bases will operate during the peak months from April to September, providing additional air support in areas where demand historically rises due to increased outdoor and coastal activity.
New Seasonal Bases at Oban and Carlisle
Two AgustaWestland AW189 rescue helicopters will be deployed from the new locations, with crews able to be airborne within 15 minutes of being tasked between 9am and 9pm.
Carlisle’s seasonal base, located at Carlisle Lake District Airport, officially opened over the Easter weekend, following the launch of its sister base at Oban Airport in west Scotland on 15 March. Both sites are equipped with modern Search and Rescue hangars, operational planning rooms, offices and rest areas for aircrew and support staff.
The addition of these bases brings two extra SAR helicopters into operation during the busiest period of the year, helping to reduce transit times and increase overall capacity across the national fleet.
Part of the UKSAR2G Modernisation Programme
The expansion forms part of the UK’s Second Generation Search and Rescue Aviation Programme (UKSAR2G), a £1.6 billion modernisation initiative aimed at improving national search and rescue coverage.
According to HM Coastguard, historic incident and tasking data were used to identify locations experiencing peak seasonal demand, much of it linked to accidents during outdoor leisure activities. Oban and Carlisle were chosen based on that evidence, ensuring additional resources are positioned where they are most likely to be needed.
Senior Responsible Owner for the programme Mark Bradley said:
“The UKSAR2G programme has been informed by operational data gathered through HM Coastguard’s incident response over several years. This looks at the seasonality and frequency of incidents, together with where and when these occur, to ensure that our network has an enhanced capability in areas of high demand.
“As well as the rollout of new state-of-the-art AW139 aircraft across several of HM Coastguard’s 10 existing permanent bases, the programme has launched seasonal bases at Oban and Carlisle to support the busier summer months.”
Safety Message Ahead of the Summer Season
Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan highlighted both the operational improvements and the importance of public vigilance as activity increases around the coast and countryside.
He said:
“HM Coastguard is a modern frontline emergency service that continues to be equipped and ready to respond when it’s needed the most.
“The UKSAR2G programme brings a wealth of enhancements to HM Coastguard’s national Search and Rescue provision, and our new aircraft and seasonal bases underline the service’s longstanding commitment to saving lives. We’d encourage people to enjoy the summer safely, including when they are visiting the coast. However, experience tells us that things can sometimes go wrong. That’s why we urge the public to remain alert to coastal hazards like tidal cutoffs, cliff falls, and mud.
“This also includes checking the weather and tide times before heading out and considering that even in summer, UK waters can be cold, and entering unprepared can be dangerous.
“If you or others are in trouble at sea or on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
HM Coastguard says the seasonal expansion ensures it remains well-positioned to respond quickly and effectively during the summer months, when emergency call-outs traditionally rise across coastal, rural and mountainous areas.
