S-61N Mk2 operated on behalf of HMCG by Bristow Helicopters in Scotland and on the south coast of England.
Bristow had previously had SAR experience with the S-61N when it started a private SAR service around the North Sea hydrocarbon fields in Feb 1978 for BP. Its first involvement with HM Coastguard was when it took over contract SAR cover for the Shetland Islands based at Sumburgh (EGPB) in Dec 1983, from British Airways Helicopters. These two airframes operate as Rescue 117 and Rescue 118.
SAR operations expanded with Bristow in May 1987, when the Hebrides contract was let. Up to two airframes (one is on standby) are based at Stornoway (EGPO) and operate as Rescue 119 and Rescue 120.
Bristow's third S-61N contract with HMCG was taken on in Jun 1988 from a 202 Squadron Sea King HAR.3 detatchment at Lee-on-Solent (EGUS). When on SAROPS it uses callsigns in the range Rescue 174 to Rescue 176.
When the Royal Navy's plans to withdraw from RNAS Portland (EGDP) emerged, it would leave a gap in SAR coverage. Bristow's fourth SAR contract was for a single helicopter to be based at Portland. On operations, it is Rescue 172 or Rescue 173.
News
Sikorsky Honors HM Coastguard, 18-Jul-18 : FIA 2018 Sikorsky celebrated 35 years of partnership with the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). HM Coastguard began using the S-61 in 1983. Nowadays flies 12 S-92
Sikorsky and Bristow Embark on New SAR Era, 03-Mar-15 : Heli-Expo 2015 Sikorsky today recognized Bristow Helicopters Ltd.’s upcoming launch of the U.K. search and rescue (SAR) contract and the company’s dedication to SAR over the past 40 years.
G-BBHL: HM Coastguard, owned and maintained by Bristow; 2003 based S+
G-BBHL: Bristow Nov73-Sep08, Sikorsky serial N4032S N364HH: Carson Oct08-Nov10 N364HH: EP Aviation Nov10-Jul16 N817AR: EP Aviation Jul16-Mar19 N817AR: Construction Helicopters Inc at Howell, MI from Mar19
G-BCLC: HM Coastguard, op by Bristow; 2003 based at Sumburgh in the+
G-BCLC: Bristow Jan75-Jan08, for HM Coastguard noted at Aberdeen EGPD 22aug78 N502SC: Sky Cats Puma Corp Mar08-Mar14; conv to S-61 Short 04jun11 pictured near Yorkville, Illinois N502SC: Heligroup 502 Llc at Missoula, MT from Mar14; CHI Aviat+
G-BDIJ: HM Coastguard, op by Bristow; pictured; 2003 based at Lee-o+
G-BDIJ: Bristow Oct75-May83, to Malaysia 9M-AYF: Bristow Malaysia May83-Jun84, back to G-BDIJ N436LC: State Dept from Oct10, rereg N751AW N751AW: Jul13 Baghdad, Iraq 17feb15 seen flying along the coast adjacent to RAF Akr+ 07jul15 at Coventry City, UK 12jul16 GSA Auction on sale with N216WW. To be confirm+ N629CK: Croman Corp from Dec16 Nov18 undergoing rework at Croman Corp’s White City f+
G-BIMU: HM Coastguard, op by Bristow; 24aug97 Main rotor tips damage+
- VH-CRU: Australia, Sikorsky serial N4024S G-BIMU: Caledonian Helicopters Jan81-May90 G-BIMU: Bristow May90-Oct15 15sep12 pictured (pic1) at De Kooy, Netherlands during + 16jan14 rtn to UK after ending Dutch SAR contract. str + 25may14 pictured (pic2) stored at Norwich airport. Sist+ - N7563W: Withrotor Aviation at Lakeview, OR from Apr16
G-BPWB: HM Coastguard, op by Bristow; 2003 asg Portland and carrie+
EI-BHO: Irish Helicopters 1979-1989, all red livery Irish Helicopters 1991-1997; Rescue for the Department + G-BPWB: Bristow May89-Feb91 Bristow May97-Nov15 15sep12 pictured at De Kooy, Netherlands during Heldair+ 06feb14 rtn to UK after ending Dutch SAR contract. str + 25may14 picture stored at Norwich OY-HUF: Airgreenland;
May16 Mayor inspection at Nuuk
S-61 stored at Norwich, June 2014 
G-BBHL: Bristow Nov73-Sep08, Sikorsky serial N4032S 
N364HH: Carson Oct08-Nov10 
9M-AYF: Bristow Malaysia May83-Jun84, back to G-BDIJ 
EI-BHO: Irish Helicopters 1979-1989, all red livery 
OY-HUF: Airgreenland;
May16 Mayor inspection at Nuuk 
