Channel Islands Air Search

Nominator Julie Twist said the crew were all volunteers on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

‘They give up their time to undertake searches when the service is called out, as well as training and often assisting with fundraising for the service,’ she said.

‘They were at the forefront of national news in January this year during the search for Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson.

‘During those days, the volunteers spent many hours in the air on rotating shifts, also fitting in their day job around those searches with the support of their employers.

‘Many suffered motion sickness because of the weather conditions and the aircraft being in the air for around three hours at a time.’

This year also marks change for the team as they benefit from the new rescue aircraft.

Lion’s Pride was described by the team as one of the best aircraft of its time and will improve efficiency in the important life-saving work that the team undertakes.

The CI Air Search volunteers provide a rapid response airborne search and rescue service in the Channel Islands.

They operate in all weathers and provide assistance not just to the rescue centres in the islands but to some centres on the French coast and on occasion to the English Coastguard.