Safety fears grounds helicopters

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The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said that although emergency air cover is in place through the RAF and Royal Navy, it may take longer to get to people in distress.

The MCA said the four Sikorsky S92 helicopters it operates in Scotland have been grounded after a S92 helicopter crashed into the ocean off the coast of Newfoundland in Canada earlier this month, killing 17 of the 18 people on board.

The decision has left the two helicopters that are based in Shetland and two in Stornoway unable to fly until an urgent modification is carried out.

MCA spokesman Mark Clark said emergency cover was still being provided, using helicopters from RAF Lossiemouth and the Royal Navy at Prestwick.

He stressed the MCA was "working closely with the Ministry of Defence to provide cover for the islands from Lossiemouth and Prestwick".

Mr Clark said: "There is cover, but it won't perhaps be as fast as it might be because of the distance involved."

Because of that the MCA is urging anyone taking to the water to ensure they have the appropriate safety equipment.

Mr Clark said: "Our message is if you are going out on the water make sure you have all the appropriate equipment, make sure you have a life jacket, make sure you have all the safety equipment you should have as a matter of course."

An engineer is being sent to carry out the modifications needed, heading first to Shetland and then to Stornoway in the Western Isles.