Significant development in west's search and rescue services

Bristow crews have declared full operational capability at Sligo Airport, marking a significant step in the delivery of the new Search and Rescue (SAR) contract for the Irish Coast Guard and serving the west of Ireland.

As Bristow Ireland teams went live, Sligo became the third Irish SAR base to transition under the new contract with new, specialist, SAR-configured AW189s standing ready to respond to emergency taskings.

Director of Bristow Ireland, Philip Bartlett, thanked everyone involved in the vital project:

“The continued safe delivery of SAR for the people of Ireland has remained the first priority throughout the phased transition.

"I’m grateful to everyone involved and to colleagues old and new as we reach this important milestone.

"Training for the new members of the Bristow team is underway and it’s great to see the team in Sligo standing ready to respond.”

With Shannon and Weston already providing 24/7 cover, and Waterford due to transition in early 2026, the future of Irish SAR continues to take shape