No Coast Guard Helicopters Operative in Iceland

In Iceland, no helicopter has been available since midnight yesterday due to strike action by the service’s air mechanics, according to RUV Iceland.

The mechanics’ industrial action started on 5th November, but there has always been at least one helicopter available before now.

If a deal is not struck, there will again be no helicopters available on 14th December, based on expected maintenance schedules and the safety inspections required regularly. There was a failed meeting between the parties yesterday.

With only ships at their disposal, the coastguard’s search and rescue capability is severely restricted.