Piper Seneca

Coastguard Southland Air Patrol use aircraft belonging to Southern Wings in their search operations.

 

We don’t do this to be rewarded

Coastguard Southland Air Patrol’s 14 volunteer crew members are well trained in search and rescue operations.

 

In the twelve months to 30 June 2010 the 14 volunteer crew members of Coastguard Southland Air Patrol

• gave 863 hours of service
• spent 114 hours in search operations and 515 in training activities
• responded to one search operation

 

Since July 2011

Our Volunteers have

• Given 332 hours of service
• Spent 130 hours in training activities

 

Keeping our Community Promise – Saving lives at sea

Recent Search & Rescue operations involving Coastguard Southland Air Patrol are

 

Helicopter Accident

14 – 15 October 2010 A helicopter was reported overdue whilst out on a training exercise and the Rescue Coordination Centre tasked the Coastguard Southland Air Patrol to search the sea area around Bluff.  The search started at 2.30pm and continued for 5 1/2 hours with no sign of the missing helicopter.  They recommenced searching at 7.30am the following morning along the coastal area of Awarua Bay, Omaui and Bluff Hill.  At 10am retuned to base to refuel and change crew.  Recommenced searching at 11.22am in Awarua Bay.  Signalled by boat at 11.54am as the helicopter was found 1 mile east of Colyers Isalnd, the circled a target found on the beach.  12.07pm stood down and returned to Invercargill.  Coastguard volunteers are saddened at the tragedy that occurred, the Air Patrol crews felt the loss of fellow pilots particularly.

 

Volunteer with Coastguard Southland Air Patrol

Saving lives creates a special camaraderie that is unique to those who have experienced it. But in typical Kiwi fashion, our crew’s prefer to remain humble about it. If you are prepared to put in the time and effort to be a Coastguard Professional Volunteer contact us by email.

 

We don’t do this alone

Coastguard Southland Air Patrol could not operate without the continued, generous support of New Zealanders.

 

Our major supporter is Southern Wings

The operational aspect to the service is carried out by Southern Wings Ltd. Southern Wings is a well established aviation company providing many different Aviation services including those required by the Southland Air Patrol. All Coastguard operations are carried out in accordance with Civil Aviation Rule part 135. All flight crew are at least commercial pilots, and at least one is the holder of a current instrument rating. This allows the highest possible safety when working in the demanding South Coast and Foveaux Strait area.

 

To make a donation and join our team in saving lives at sea please use the ‘Donate Now’ button above to access our donations page and indicate Coastguard Southland Air Patrol in the message section. Thank you for your support.

 

Where we come from

The heritage of airborne search and rescue in Southland can be traced back for over 65 years. The original service was provided by the Southland Aero Club. The service has been continually evolving over the years and in 1999 the “Southland Air Patrol” was established. This organisation was formed by the very same dedicated people who have been involved with the Southland Aero Club and was the first Coastguard Air Patrol formed in the South Island.