Rescue Helicopter

Our local helicopter rescue service conducting exercises at Fitzroy beach here in New Plymouth. A chance to get up close and see how rescues are carried out.
Click on a thumbnail for a larger image then back to return to here.

The chopper returns after the exercise was interrupted for a real rescue, transporting a car crash victim apparently.

Lifting off from the beach.

Another view, but had to duck and keep the sand out of the camera.

Heading out to sea.

Diver jumps into the water to help the victim, who had 'accidently' jumped from the same chopper about 10 secs before...

Close up of the chopper in hover, basically the view you'd have if you were being rescued. The crew lean out each side to guide the pilot who has a poor view straight downward.

The rope is lowered to the diver and victim...

They're quickly hauled out of the water...

And deposited on the beach.

As a further challange some were deposited into a Rubber Duckie rescue boat. Not quite so easy, it bought to mind those fairground games where you have to snag a prize with a hook on a string. Wind was blowing the boat one way, the chopper another and the guys on the rope were having the ride of their life. They managed it successfully each time, although the guys did get a few extra dunkings as they swung around the target... :-)

Go back to Ian's Picture Pages  -

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page