Carmichael welcomes final MCA confirmation of Sumburgh helicopter protection

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed written confirmation from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency today that the current coastguard search-and-rescue helicopter response times at Sumburgh will be protected. 

In a letter this morning Virginia McVea, Chief Executive Officer of the MCA stated:

“I write to confirm that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) review of operational requirements for future Search and Rescue aviation has now concluded… I can confirm that the current response times - of 15 minutes during the day and 45 minutes at night - will remain in place at Stornoway and Sumburgh for the new service, in line with other UKSAR2G bases across the UK.”

Mr Carmichael said:

“While this was first set out by the government in January that coastguard response times will be protected, it is welcome to have written confirmation of that from the MCA today. Retention of the same level of service from Oscar Charlie will be a breath of relief for everyone who works and travels at sea around the Northern Isles. 

“Once again I have to pay tribute to islanders who identified the danger and raised their concerns. The actions of whistleblowers and local journalists to bring these plans to light as early as they did was absolutely critical to securing a U-turn from the MCA. These services cannot be taken for granted – but we have shown that we can and will defend them.”