Civil Air Support (CAS), a UK aviation charity, experienced its busiest October on record as it responded to numerous floodwater damage monitoring flights and related humanitarian and environmental callouts. In one of the most remarkable examples of their work, CAS was instrumental in helping to rescue a seal pup from a Jersey beach and transfer it to a rehabilitation centre in the South of England.
The plight of the seal pup, named Fliquet, was first observed by a member of the public who reported it to the Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA). After 24 hours of monitoring with no sign of the mother, the JSPCA asked the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) to intervene. With the Jersey wildlife hospital closed for refurbishment, the RSPCA was asked to accommodate Fliquet in a UK mainland rehabilitation centre.
BDMLR sought the help of Civil Air Support to transfer the seal to the RSPCA centre in Kent. CAS enlisted the assistance of Jersey Aero Club, Channel Islands Air Traffic Control and Lydd Airport to ensure a swift turnaround and uninhibited landing at Lydd airport. A Cessna T210 piloted by Rob de Roeck was used to transfer the seal and the handover was completed in just 60 minutes.
CAS Operations Manager David de Roeck said: “This example demonstrates how CAS is at its most effective when working in partnership with other specialist and dedicated organisations, and there are many similar examples where collaboration and expertise have been the key to preserving life, safeguarding property, and helping to prevent disaster.”
Civil Air Support also thanked London Ashford (Lydd) Airport for their support in waiving landing and handling charges for the mission, as well as Jersey Aero Club and Jersey Air Traffic Control Centre for helping to execute loading, refuelling and a swift turnaround for the mission aircraft.
This month, Civil Air Support experienced its busiest October on record as it responded to numerous floodwater damage monitoring flights, related humanitarian and environmental callouts, and the remarkable rescue of a seal pup from a Jersey beach. The charity’s capability, organisation, and the commitment of its dedicated volunteers have been put to the test many times and helped to make a real difference to UK communities and the environment.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.