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11 May 2001

LIVERPOOL COASTGUARD ALERTED TO DITCHED LIGHT AIRCRAFT

Liverpool Coastguard were alerted by a call at 10:54 on 11 May 2001 from Blackpool Air Traffic Control to the plight of a single pilot of a twin engine light aircraft which was developing engine problems twelve miles off the coast of Blackpool. The aircraft had been on a flight from Ronaldsway airport in the Isle of Man to Blackpool.

As the Coastguard was being informed the pilot reported that he was ditching and the Coastguard immediately scrambled a rescue helicopter – R 122 - from RAF Valley to the scene.


Sea King rescue helicopter from RAF Valley
The Coastguard also requested the launch of lifeboats from Lytham St Anne’s and Fleetwood and a fast rescue craft was launched from the stand-by vessel `Highland Sprite’. One man was recovered safe and well from the water by the fast rescue craft and he was airlifted to the helicopter before being flown to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Blackpool. The weather on scene today was fine and sunny with light winds, a slight sea and good visibility.

A coastguard spokesman says the rescue was carried out only 26 minutes after the distress call was received.

He said: "Amazingly, he came down safely and was recovered safe and well but a bit cold."

The pilot, who was alone on the plane, was plucked from the water by a rescue vessel from a Morecambe Bay gas platform.

He has been taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but is said to be suffering only from minor injuries and slight shock. He is believed to be in his 50s and owns the aircraft, operated by Island Aviation and Travel on the Isle of Man.