Update on seasonal bases for HM Coastguard
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is pleased to announce the locations for HM Coastguard’s new seasonal helicopter bases, increasing search and rescue provision in two of the busiest locations for summer tourism.
As part of the UK Second Generation Search and Rescue Aviation (UKSAR2G) contract, two seasonal bases will be launching in 2026 to provide additional capability to areas of high seasonal demand.
On Monday 6 October, HM Coastguard in conjunction with Bristow Helicopters Limited began construction of the new base at Oban. The base will include a modern Search and Rescue hangar, an operational planning room, offices and rest areas for crews.
The originally proposed site for the base at Fort William is no longer viable and will relocate to Oban. The second seasonal base will still be located in Carlisle.
While there has been a change in location, the timeline for both seasonal bases, how they operate, and the areas they will cover all remain the same.
These bases will each operate one aircraft from April to September, 9am to 9pm, with a readiness state of 15 minutes.
At the start of construction Paddy O’Callaghan, Chief Coastguard, said:
Our new seasonal bases are a huge step forward in expanding HM Coastguard’s search and rescue capability during those periods when we experience a rise in incidents.
The additional aircraft will provide greater flexibility in a national network, and most importantly enhance our ability to respond quickly to those in need.
Steve Bentley, HM Coastguard Senior Responsible Owner for the UKSAR2G Programme, said:
The UKSAR2G programme is very much underway, and we are looking forward to completion of the seasonal bases in both locations.
People are alive today because a HM Coastguard helicopter came to their aid, and these seasonal bases will improve search and rescue response further still.
By selecting sites that are near popular areas for outside activity, those in need can be responded to quickly and with the appropriate resources.
For more information and updates please visit the UKSAR2G page on GOV.UK.
Further Information
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The UKSAR2G programme is currently delivering the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s aviation services. The contract for the programme was awarded to Bristow Helicopters Ltd in 2022.
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UKSAR2G will see the UK search and rescue region benefit from both innovation and advances in technology to save more lives, even more quickly. As part of the new contract, Bristow Helicopters Ltd will continue to operate from its current ten helicopter bases, as well as launching the seasonal bases.
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