S-61N G-BDOC. (photo, via Chris Jones)

Shetland Islands
Role: Search and Rescue

An S-61N operated by Bristow Helicopters Ltd first took up service at Sumburgh in November 1983. (The contract actually started on 1 December 1983). The identity of this helicopter is currently not known. This example was replaced by G-BDOC 'Oscar Charlie', which became operational on 4th April 1985 after arriving at the station on the previous day. The Sumburgh Coastguard Helicopter’s normal operating area stretches in an arc for 150 miles from the Sumburgh Coastguard station. However if the helicopter refuels at one of a various number of places, the most commonly used one being the BP Magnus Oil platform, north of Sumburgh, it can travel further. The helicopter is also well equipped for night sorties with it’s FLIR capability.

Oscar Charlie has been involved in every major incident in the North Sea. These incidents include: Piper Alpha, the helicopter incidents on the Brent Spar and Cormorant Alpha, The Braer, the Strandings of the Klondykers Lunokhods 1, Borodinskoye Poyle and Pionersk and more recently the Cargo Vessel the Green Lily. BHL's contract was renewed for a further 5 years on 1 June 1999, and again on 31 May 2004. When BHLs contract expires on 30 June 2007, the replacement S-92s will be supplied by CHC Helicopters.

Air Bases:

Base	Duration
Sumburgh Airport, Shetland Islands	Nov 1983 - Present

Aircraft Used:

Type	Qty	Service	Badge	Example Serials
Sikorsky S-61N Mk II	1	Nov 1983 - Apr 1985		G-????
Sikorsky S-61N Mk II	1	3 Apr 1985 - 30 June 2007		G-BDOC
Sikorsky S-92	1	1 Jan 2008 - Present		G-CGOC
Sikorsky S-92	1	1 Jan 2008 - Present		G-SARC

References:

• Shetland News
• Shetland Coastguard