CIAS said the problem was a lack of harmony among crew members and that, despite the losses, it was fully operational.
The exact reasons for the 14 no longer volunteering have not been made public, but the loss was acknowledged by CIAS in a statement: ‘Any loss of crew is completely regrettable, whatever the circumstances, especially when so many hours have been freely given to saving lives,’ it said.
‘However, there must be complete harmony for the crew to operate safely.
‘When that became lacking and it also became clear that attempts to resolve issues were not going to be to everyone’s satisfaction, decisions had to be made in the best interests of the charity.
‘We are a voluntary organisation and no one is under any obligation to volunteer for Air Search.’
This is CIAS’s 40th year of operation and it said it is busy recruiting and training crew.
‘Air Search is fully operational and able to offer a limited capability search and rescue service in compliance with the Covid-19 restrictions, as agreed with States of Guernsey Public Health and the director of civil aviation.’
Regardless of any differences there may have been, CIAS said it was ‘united in our respect for the privacy and integrity of all the crew’ and declined to make further comment.
‘We do not believe publicly discussing Air Search matters is beneficial to anyone, so it is therefore out of respect that we will not be commenting further on crew matters.’
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