Local MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed today's announcement that will see state-of-the-art helicopters continue to be stationed at Lee-on-the-Solent as part of the search and rescue (SAR) fleet, improving flying times and better coverage of high-risk areas.
The Bristow Group has won a ten year contract to run the service and will operate 22 helicopters from 10 locations around the UK with bases open 24 hours a day. The base at Lee-on-the –Solent will be home to two AgustaWestland AW189s, in a move that will create jobs and support the local economy.
Speaking after the announcement, Caroline said:
"I welcome the news that a SAR base will remain in the Solent area, which is one of the busiest sea-lanes in the world.
This is a real vote of confidence in Lee-on-the-Solent and I am delighted that the existing expertise and local SAR knowledge built up over many years will be preserved. The move will see investment in new facilities, equipment and jobs and is great news for our area.
This announcement marks a new chapter in SAR operations on the south coast and I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force for providing this vital life-saving service for over seventy years."
The ten year contract to run SAR operations will start from 2015 and be fully rolled out by summer 2017.
