Helicopter base to 'boost mountain safety'

Rescuers said call-outs in the Lake District had been increasing year-on-year

A seasonal search and rescue helicopter base is to open next year to help with the summer tourism rush.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the base in Carlisle - which was originally announced in 2022 but then delayed - would open from April to September 2026.

The Lake District Search And Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA) said the base would be a "long-awaited boost to mountain safety in the Lake District, north of England and Scottish borders".

Chair of LDSAMRA Phil Gerrard said the reduction in flight times and larger capacity of the airframe could "only mean more assured casualty outcomes and increased support to the volunteer mountain rescue teams".

The MCA said, along with Carlisle, another search and rescue base would also open in Oban to increase provision in "two of the busiest locations for summer tourism".

It said it would provide modern search and rescue hangars, planning rooms, office spaces and rest areas for crews.

"Hopefully these seasonal bases will, once their obvious value has been demonstrated, become a full-time and permanent part of HM Coastguards helicopter service," Mr Gerrard said.

He said call-outs in the Lake District had been increasing year-on-year, with 714 call-outs in 2023, 813 in 2024 and 674 up until September this year.

Tom Durcan, from Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, said: "Having an air asset with winching capability in close proximity can significantly shorten the time to evacuate casualties and reduce the risk to rescue teams."