WATCH: RAF helicopter flies into Guernsey

Friday, 30 August 2024 12:10

The sound of a Chinook helicopter reverberated along Guernsey's west coast as the RAF practised a medivac airlift.

The Chinook design dates back to the late 1950s and it entered service with the US military in the early 1960s.

The RAF has more than 50 of these large, twin rotor, lifting helicopters.

When airborne they are noisy and produce a massive downdraft, as anyone along Guernsey's west coast last night (29 August) could testify.

The Chinook landed at Port Soif car park at around 6.45 in the evening.

It was to practice the airlift of a patient should there be issues at the airport or with the emergency marine vessels. The States say the UK's military has an obligation to help out, should Guernsey's emergency services not be able to carry out a transfer to the UK. This is known as a Plan C medivac.

The RAF were in the islands on training hence arranging for the emergency airlift session.

A number of local organisations were involved including the police, fire service, ambulance and rescue and civil protection volunteers to ensure the public were kept at a safe distance.

Derek Howlett, is Guernsey's Assistant Emergency Planning Officer:

“An essential part of Emergency Planning is ensuring our emergency services in Guernsey are prepared for a whole range of eventualities. We are fortunate to have a good relationship with our military liaison officers, and when we heard the RAF would be flying a Chinook to the Bailiwick, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to practise the backup plan for a medivac from Guernsey."

The landing attracted many onlookers. Thank you to Joe Maloret for this video.