2nd PB for Screeming Reels!

[RobertMcClean]

See Martin completed his 500th rescue mission with the Irish Coast guard making him one of a handful of helicopter pilots to do so in western Europe. Well done Martyn that is some achievement

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ire ... 59981.html

[JimC]

Coast Guard pilot completes 500th rescue mission
LORNA SIGGINS Marine Correspondent

AN IRISH Coast Guard pilot has just completed his 500th rescue mission, becoming one of a handful of helicopter pilots in western Europe to have done so.
Capt Martin Rayner of the Irish Coast Guard base in Waterford reached his “milestone” earlier this week when he rescued a number of people in difficulty in the water off the Waterford coastline and transferred one man to hospital.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has congratulated the pilot on his achievement and said he epitomised “the dedication, experience and expertise that makes the Irish Coast Guard one of the best in the world”.
Capt Rayner has been an integral part of civilian search and rescue in Ireland since it was initiated in 1991, after the west coast search and rescue campaign led by Donegal woman Joan McGinley highlighted the lack of adequate cover around the coastline.
Previously, he flew with the British navy in various parts of the world and then took up a position as offshore rig transport helicopter pilot in the North Sea.
He helped to set up the first Irish Coast Guard search and rescue base at Shannon airport. Over the next decade he became chief pilot, line trainer and search and rescue captain and spent many years flying up to 200 nautical miles west of Shannon in all weathers. He left in 2002 to work off Brunei in Borneo, southeast Asia, but returned to Ireland in 2005 to work at the Waterford search and rescue base, run for the Coast Guard by CHC Helicopters.
Capt Rayner is now search and rescue captain at Waterford – which was the subject of a successful public campaign earlier this year against proposed downgrading of the base.
His colleague at Waterford, chief pilot Capt Dara Fitzpatrick, said everyone was “very proud of Capt Rayner’s unique achievement in reaching 500 missions”.
“His vast experience, patience, sense of humour and knowledge of search and rescue is the backbone of our operation today,” she said.
CHC managing director Mark Kelly said Capt Rayner’s level of experience was “rarely seen among search and rescue crew worldwide”.
The RNLI inshore lifeboat at Baltimore, west Cork, assisted a yacht yesterday that ran aground northwest of Baltimore harbour. None of the passengers was injured

Well Done !!!

[twinkle]

wow martin thats the absoulute bussiness .it has to make everyone proud .to have the best on hand if they get in to difficulty must be a great comfort to all sea going persons on your watch .congratulations on reaching this huge milestone in your career and may god keep you and your work mates safe. on a different note when you rescue someone and get them in to the helicoptor do you grill them about what species they were targeting in that area

[The Austrian]

WOW - 500 rescue missions equals 500 saved lifes - at least! What a man! A very big, big well done to you Capt Rayner and I'm certain you'll get the well deserved medal for your incredible dedication. TRULY AWESOME

[eric]

pretty cool, well done

[Davy Murdoch]

Nice one Martyn keep up the good work..
1000 here you come

[carpets]

well done screaming great to hear things like that a fine achievement to help so many people..

[wayne riley]

wow well done

[masterkeane]

Thats a super achievement well done