Coastguard helicopters grounded

Portland and Solent coastguards' new helicopters have been grounded at night because of problems with the operation of specialist equipment on board.

The AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters have only been in use since March.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the restriction would be in place until the problems had been resolved by the manufacturer.

Helicopters with full night-time capability will be stationed at Lee-on-Solent and Portland until then.

The MCA said: "The AW139s are entirely safe to operate for all daytime and non-specialist night-time activities.

"The issues relate to specialist search and rescue activity, such as night-time search and rescue. Daytime flying is unaffected.

"Search and rescue missions will continue to be effectively undertaken by the AW139s during daylight hours."

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