North Shore Rescue reports record missions for 2021

Canadian search and rescue (SAR) provider North Shore Rescue has reported a record 226 callouts in 2021, up from the previous annual record of 151 missions set the previous year.

This included 154 hours of flight using night vision goggles, as well as 47 mutual aid calls from other SAR providers.

The service, which provides 24-hour coverage throughout the entire year, is run by a team of approximately 50 volunteers and added seven new recruits to the team in 2021.

In addition, growing number of missions has been supported in part through the acquisition of a new AS365 Dauphin helicopter, which entered service at the end of 2020. The helicopter is equipped with a hoist which can be used to airlift patients, as well as night vision capabilities.

North Shore is currently planning to rebuild its Capilano Gate base in 2022, and aims to persuade the provincial government of British Columbia to use the Dauphin’s hoist capabilities after dark. The service has reportedly already received federal governmental approval.