Polish Mi-14 participating in SAREX-21
The Polish exercise Renegade/SAREX-21 is held from 17 to 21 May 2021. The maritime episode of this exercise, SAREX-21, sees the participation of various helicopter units. One of the more eye-catching participants is the Mil Mi-14PL operated by the Lotnictwo Marynarki Wojennej (LMW, Polish Navy).
The SAR configured Mi-14PL/R, serial 1009, is one of two SAR configured Mi-14s operated by the 44 Baza Lotnictwa Morskiego (44.BLotM) at Darłówo air base. In total, this unit still operates ten Mi-14PL and Mi-14PL/R helicopters.
Part of the exercise dealt with the collision of two ships in the Baltic Sea near Łeba. Injured crew members ended up in the water. The rescue services, after receiving the signal about the event, proceeded to act in accordance with the procedures. The casualties were evacuated by rescue helicopters of the Naval Aviation Brigade and vessels of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service. The survivors requiring hospitalization were transported by air directly to the 7th Naval Hospital in Gdańsk and the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Słupsk. The remaining victims were evacuated by air to the landing field or by sea to the port in Łeba.
The following Mi-14s are active with 44.BLotM:
For more information on the Polish Navy have a look at the Scramble Magazine Air Order of Battle.
Photo by Arkadiusz Dwulatek via www.wojsko-polskie.pl/