‘Absolute madness': PSNI condemns potentially ‘catastrophic' near-miss between drone and rescue helicopter
The incident unfolded during an operation in the Mournes at the weekend.
Police said it was 'absolute madness' and the person responsible for the drone may now face prosecution.
On Saturday evening, the South Down neighbourhood policing team were assisting Newcastle Coastguard to secure the landing site for a Maritime and Coastguard Agency Rescue Helicopter from Prestwick.
The agencies were working with the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team (MMRT) to extract a casualty from the area of Lower Cove – which contains some of the steepest cliffs in the Mournes.
A PSNI spokesperson said: 'With the casualty safely in the back of a Northern Ireland Ambulance Service ambulance, the helicopter crew began to prepare for take off to return to Prestwick [in Scotland].
'As the helicopter made their preparations to take off – bearing in mind the engines never stopped whilst the casualty was removed from it, and it's a big noisy, well lit machine – one of the police officers in attendance noted a drone operating in very close proximity to the helicopter.
"They immediately informed a member of Coastguard and members of the MMRT who in turn informed the crew on board.
"At the same time officers made their way to the area of the park the drone was spotted in to try and identify its whereabouts and the person that was operating it.
"Despite this quick action the drone appeared to have left the area, but people in the park approached the police attempting to point out where the drone had been.
'In short, this is absolute madness. Had that drone impacted with the helicopter at any time, the result would have been catastrophic.
'Drones are not toys.
'This behaviour was in clear breach of the Air Navigation Order and may result in a criminal prosecution.'
Drones are small aircrafts that can be remotely controlled. They are used for a wide variety of purposes – most commonly for recreational purposes, they are used for aerial photography and videography
Jill Truesdale, an Alliance Party councillor for the Mournes area, described the actions of the drone operator as 'beyond stupid'.
"Hopefully they will be caught and reminded of the laws around these things,' she added.
"This type of multi-agency incident is not an 'Instagrammable' moment."
Ms Truesdale also indicated a need to 'look into legislation' regarding the ownership and operation of drones here, 'given our unique geographical makeup between sea and mountains'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Belfast Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
PSNI reminds public of drone legislation after Coastguard helicopter ‘put in danger' during rescue
In a statement, the PSNI's Detective Superintendent Sean Fitzpatrick, from the police's Air Support Unit, said the helicopter had successfully aided in rescuing a person from the Mourne Mountains, when a drone was spotted flying close to the aircraft. A drone is the common name used for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). These small aircraft can be flown remotely by various types of controls, or autonomously using computer software. Aircrafts are grounded when a drone is sighted near them, typically due to safety concerns such as a drone coming in contact with the aircraft which could cause damage to it. In 2018, a well-publicised incident at Gatwick Airport required a full shutdown after a drone was spotted near the airport. 'With drones becoming ever more popular I would ask all users to familiarise themselves with legislation and regulations. Comprehensive guidance is available on our website, and is in line with the Air Navigation Order and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulation,' said Detective Superintendent Fitzpatrick. 'Following a recent incident in the Mourne Mountains, when a Maritime and Coastguard Agency Rescue helicopter was put in danger from a drone, I am asking drone users to adhere to the regulations in place to fly drones safely. 'The helicopter had successfully extracted an injured casualty from the mountains and brought them to safety where they were transferred to an ambulance and, as the helicopter prepared to lift off, a drone was spotted being flown in close proximity, putting all on board in serious danger. "Police officers made their way to the site where the drone had been seen but the operator had left the area. 'The legislation exists to ensure safety, and essentially drones should not pose any risk, either to aircrafts or people. 'Accordingly, drones must not be flown near any airport, flight path or aircraft, and must not be flown near or over the public. They must also not be flown in any manner that could hamper emergency services when they are responding to an emergency incident.' According to the PSNI, from October 2019 registration has been required by any person who controls or flies a drone outdoors. On 31st December 2020 there were updates in the Air Navigation Order 2016, which included updates for age restrictions and registration of drone operators (owners) and drone pilots. If your drone has a camera (unless it is a toy) then you need to register as an operator with the Civil Aviation Authority. You need to renew this registration every year and display the registration number on any drone you own.
Wales Online
15-05-2025
- Wales Online
Hiker dies after Eryri mountain fall tragedy
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A hiker has died after a fall from an Eryri (Snowdonia) mountain. The tragedy happened on Saturday, May 10 at Glyder Fach. A witness called mountain rescuers for help. An Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation statement said: "10 May - Glyder Fach. A solo scrambler was seen to fall down the main face of the mountain, the witnesses called for help and attempted to assist the casualty, but they had not survived the fall. "Team members were flown onto the hill by Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter, and the casualty was lowered and carried to a point they could be flown to base." The mountain rescue team also confirmed members witnesses a fatal road collision on the A5 near Capel Curig and helped at the scene, after attending Glyder Fach. A man died and a woman was left with serious injuries following the collision, which involved a red Honda motorcycle and a white Volkswagen Caddy van. The male motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, while the female pillion passenger was flown to hospital in Stoke with serious, potentially life-changing injuries. An OVMRO statement added, while returning from the Glyder Fach callout: "Team members witnessed a collision between a vehicle and a motorcycle near Capel Curig and stopped to give help. "The team leader phoned 999 to report it and the team was asked to respond, team members worked with @welshambulanceservice, @heddlugogleddcymru, @air_ambulance to treat the rider and their passenger, sadly, the rider did not survive and the passenger was flown to hospital. The thoughts of all involved are with the families and friends of the casualties." Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
15-05-2025
- North Wales Live
Hiker dies after Eryri mountain fall tragedy
A hiker has died after a fall at an Eryri (Snowdonia) mountain. The tragedy happened on Saturday May 10 at Glyder Fach. A witness called mountain rescuers for help. An Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation statement said: "10 May - Glyder Fach. A solo scrambler was seen to fall down the main face of the mountain, the witnesses called for help and attempted to assist the casualty, but they had not survived the fall. "Team members were flown onto the hill by Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter, and the casualty was lowered and carried to a point they could be flown to base." The mountain rescue team also confirmed members witnesses a fatal road collision on the A5 near Capel Curig and helped at the scene, after attending Glyder Fach. A man died and a woman was left with serious injuries following the collision, which involved a red Honda motorcycle and a white Volkswagen Caddy van. The male motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, while the female pillion passenger was flown to hospital in Stoke with serious, potentially life-changing injuries. An OVMRO statement added, while returning from the Glyder Fach callout: "team members witnessed a collision between a vehicle and a motorcycle near Capel Curig and stopped to give help. "The team leader phoned 999 to report it and the team was asked to respond, team members worked with @welshambulanceservice, @heddlugogleddcymru, @air_ambulance to treat the rider and their passenger, sadly, the rider did not survive and the passenger was flown to hospital. The thoughts of all involved are with the families and friends of the casualties."
