Lions’ Pride Incident: Update
15/11/2013
Following the publication of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch Bulletin S8/2013 – Special (which can be viewed or downloaded from the AAIB website) the Chairman, Derek Short, Chief Officer Commander Colin Ferbrache OBE and Trustees are now in a position to issue this Update.
As the AAIB investigation is ongoing, no further comment will be expressed on any aspect of the incident at this time.
With regard to the aircraft, it is anticipated that Lions’ Pride will be transported to Jersey Airport next week, for onward shipment to Portsmouth by Condor Ferries who have kindly donated the cost of shipping to Airsearch. From there the aeroplane travels by road to Cumbernauld where Cormack Aircraft will undertake the extensive repairs required.
An overall estimate of the costs, including a new Thermal Imaging Camera, for night vision, is expected to approach something over one million pounds. This is about one third of the cost of a new aircraft fully kitted out for the Airsearch role, which is already at the leading edge of search technology.
It could be some months before Lions’ Pride is back in the skies over Channel Island waters: work is already under way to introduce a temporary Islander aircraft so that the crew can continue to provide a level of service during the repair period. In the meantime, the crew of the Brecqhou helicopter will step into the breach as and when it is available. It is planned to add a Search Director and two Observers from the crew of Airsearch to the
helicopter, together with their portable search computer/GPS, marina and Tetra radios.
The Trustees of Airsearch have already set up an internal Panel of Inquiry to determine what changes may be required following the accident to Lions’ Pride.
The Chairman, Chief Officer and Trustees would like to express their sincere thanks for the numerous offers of financial support. Several groups and individuals have or are planning fund-raising events for which we are grateful. The Trustees together with the Friends of Airsearch throughout the Channel Islands have announced in the press of both Islands, an Appeal to raise the funds necessary to cover the million pounds plus required
to return Lions’ Pride to her role as the ‘Lifeboats’ eyes in the sky’
Captain Brian Nibbs
Trustee/Press Officer
14th November 2013
Further information:
Commander Colin Ferbrache OBE Mobile: 07781 105315
Email : Ferbs@guernsey.net