Whinge warning
Bimbling through the delightful Oxfordshire countryside earlier today, having had a wonderful few days with good friends Daundering in the Chilterns, I heard the quite distinctive sound of a Sea King helicopter.
I knew I wasn’t lost, nor was I in need of rescue so I was quite satisfied it wasn’t looking for me. My emotions were really quite mixed: I’m really miffed that the government has privatised Search and Rescue. It can only be a matter of time before those unfortunate enough to need a helicopter rescue will be invoiced for their folly.
I know the Sea Kings are well past their sell-by date, but in their time they’ve saved many, many lives – military (their prime purpose) and civilian. They’re quite a magnificent machine, crewed by even more magnificent personnel.
Now I’m not the brightest of people, but I fail to understand why a service that was designed to save military personnel lost in action at sea (and other places) shouldn’t be run by the Ministry of Defence – ie the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
The S.A.R. crews have gained invaluable experience answering calls to rescue those at sea or in the mountains. I can’t see any commercial outfit being anywhere near as dedicated, skilled or experienced – not unless they can turn a decent profit.
Surely our caring government can’t be putting money before saving lives. Can they?
This morning’s Sea King was returning to RAF Benson. I wonder how many more sorties it will fly before being scrapped.
Cost before all else, I suspect John. It makes one wonder how long it will be before walkers, climbers and the like will require some form of insurance. It would be no surprise if someone in the corridors of power are itching to get their grubby paws on the rescue teams as well. It is a worrying prospect.
ReplyDeleteWe saw a SeaKing and what looked like a privateer flying through Langdale. The smaller privateer landed high on the Band whereas the Sea King just flew in circles. I wonder if it was a training exercise before hand over.
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