Government Learjet sent on first ‘top-cover’ mission
The Shannon ICG chopper, Rescue 1-1-5, was scrambled at around 10.15am after a crew member on board a Dutch factory vessel was reported to have fallen ill about 135 nautical miles (250 kilometres) west of Loop Head in Co Clare.
The 40-year-old man complained of abdominal pains which were later diagnosed as suspected appendicitis. The captain raised the alarm and requested that the crewman be airlifted to hospital to receive medical attention.
As the ICG chopper routed to the scene, the Government Learjet 45, call-sign ‘Irish 258’, attached to No 1 Operation Wing based at Baldonnel, was also dispatched to provide ‘top-cover’.
When a rescue helicopter has to travel that far from land, communications are often lost with the co-ordination centre. Top-cover is where another aircraft is deployed to relay communications between the scene and operation co-ordinators on shore.
The Air Corps has confirmed that it is the first time since the aircraft entered service in 2004 that it has been used in a ‘top-cover’ mission.
The sick crew member was airlifted to Shannon Airport from where he was transported by ambulance to the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick for treatment.
The operation was co-ordinated by the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre at Valentia Island in Co Kerry.
The Air Corps operates two CASA CN-235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft which usually undertake off-shore maritime patrol duties but are regularly used to provide ‘top-cover’ in search and rescue operations at sea. Both aircraft are currently undergoing maintenance and are out of service.
A Defence Forces spokesman said: “As both Air Corps CASA maritime patrol aircraft are currently undergoing maintenance and servicing, the Learjet 45 was deployed to conduct the top cover operation, and was fully capable of carrying out all functions required of the Air Corps for this particular mission.”
The Air Corps is also responsible for operating two Government aircraft including the Learjet 45. This aircraft operates seven days a week usually in a Presidential, Ministerial and VIP Air Transport role.
