
Littlestone RNLI lifeboat joins HM Coastguard helicopter for winch training
RNLI Littlestone volunteer crew had the opportunity this week to work with an HM Coastguard helicopter in testing conditions practising drills that are essential in lifesaving operations and rescues.
The exercises involved delivering the winch from the helicopter to the deck of the station’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat
Jean McIvor and then practice winching from the deck of the boat back to the helicopter.
Littlestone lifeboat helm, Heather Crittenden, said: ‘Formation winching exercises with HM Coastguard helicopters helps both teams ensure that real life rescues run smoothly’.
This required skill from both sets of crew, and particularly the lifeboat helm and helicopter pilot- during the exercise the wind picked up and sea conditions became challenging but remained within acceptable limits.
The process of casualty transfer is a critical procedure conducted on many occasions around the UK and considered to be one of the most exacting challenges faced by the RNLI lifesavers.
Littlestone Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Crittenden explained: ‘The exercise was an important opportunity for our volunteer crew members to get up close and personal with the Lydd based search and rescue HM Coastguard helicopter. It’s really important that our crew members get real life training and learn what to expect when working with the helicopter ’.
Photos:
Photo 1: Littlestone shore crew preparing to recover the lifeboat after exercises.
Photo 2: Littlestone-on-Sea Atlantic 85 lifeboat 'Jean McIvor' rendezvoused about two miles out near the busy shipping lanes of the English Channel with the Lydd based HM Coastguard Helicopter.
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