A Royal Navy survey ship has helped out Her Majesty’s Coastguard helicopter by offering up her deck for winch training at sea.
Returning to the UK after a recent North Sea survey, HMS Echo received a call for assistance from a Coastguard helicopter Agusta Westland AW139 as it was looking for a suitable platform to practise lowering and raising a winchman.
Never one to turn down an opportunity, Echo offered her Quarterdeck and the training got underway.
As the ship moved through the water the winchman was carefully lowered, making a textbook landing.
Back onboard, there was time for one last fly-past and a wave goodbye before parting company with HMS Echo and disappearing beyond the horizon.
The training session took place off the UK south coast with the helicopter flying from Lydd Airport, which went live less than a month ago.
Image: Royal Navy