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The Prince of Wales has written a letter in which he praised a Channel Islands search and rescue team for its “extraordinary professionalism”.
The letter to the volunteer-run Channel Islands Air Search thanked the crew for keeping “4,000 sq miles (10,630 sq km) of waters safe for those who use them”.
Prince William added the crew acted as “eyes in the sky” and referred to his own experience as a search and rescue helicopter pilot.
The charity provides airborne support for search and rescue operations with its plane, Lion’s Pride.
‘Commitment and dedication’
In his letter, the prince wrote: “You fly in challenging circumstances – a busy area for shipping and leisure craft with very changeable weather conditions – and it is clear the coastguard and search and rescue units rely greatly on your ‘eyes in the sky’.
“To continue to fly Lion’s Pride and provide this service on a voluntary basis – at no charge – is a testament to your extraordinary professionalism, commitment as volunteers and your dedication to search and rescue.”
In response to the letter the team said: “We were honoured to receive a letter from Prince William, acknowledging our dedication and contributions to the Channel Islands’ land and waters.
“Supporting the search and rescue community remains our highest priority and at the heart of everything we do.”
