Helicopter with Five On Board Vanishes Over Caernarfon Bay
A privately-owned helicopter carrying five people has gone missing this evening over Caernarfon Bay, sparking a major search operation in the Irish Sea.
Last Contact Lost Near Welsh Coast
The twin-engine Squirrel chopper was en route from Milton Keynes to Dublin when it lost radar contact shortly after 4.15pm. The aircraft was last picked up less than 20km off the Welsh coast in Caernarfon Bay. UK Coastguard launched a swift search and rescue mission after losing contact with the chopper.
Search Underway Across Sea and Land
Two Coastguard helicopters, based at Caernarfon and St Athan, have conducted extensive searches of the sea and nearby fields since the distress call. Despite almost 12 hours of searching, the aerial operation was paused just before midnight due to poor visibility and low clouds.
The UK Coastguard has issued a Mayday Relay broadcast urging vessels in the Irish Sea to report any signs of the missing helicopter. North Wales Police have now taken charge of the land search, bringing in Mountain Rescue teams to comb the Snowdonia area.
Details of the Missing Helicopter
- The chopper belongs to Staske Construction Ltd, Milton Keynes, operated by Kevin and Ruth Burke.
- It is commonly rented out to filming crews.
- Planned route was Milton Keynes to Weston Airport near Dublin, via Caernarfon Bay.
- Occupants’ identities remain unknown as search continues.
“We have established a search plan between Caernarfon Bay and Dublin and are contacting vessels in the area,” said UK Coastguard Duty Commander Peter Davies. “We urge anyone spotting a twin-engine red Squirrel helicopter to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard immediately.”
The search operation is ongoing, with hopes pinned on improved weather conditions to resume aerial efforts.
