Our local helicopter rescue service conducting exercises at Fitzroy beach here in New
Plymouth. A chance to get up close and see how rescues are carried out.
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The chopper returns after
the exercise was interrupted for a real rescue, transporting a car crash victim
apparently.
Another view, but had to
duck and keep the sand out of the camera.
Diver jumps into the water
to help the victim, who had 'accidently' jumped from the same chopper about 10 secs
before...
Close up of the chopper in
hover, basically the view you'd have if you were being rescued. The crew lean out each
side to guide the pilot who has a poor view straight downward.
The rope is lowered to the
diver and victim...
They're quickly hauled out
of the water...
As a further challange some
were deposited into a Rubber Duckie rescue boat. Not quite so easy, it bought to mind
those fairground games where you have to snag a prize with a hook on a string. Wind was
blowing the boat one way, the chopper another and the guys on the rope were having the
ride of their life. They managed it successfully each time, although the guys did get a
few extra dunkings as they swung around the target... :-)
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