The Channel Islands Air Search team responded to 12 calls in September and October.

In contrast, the service dealt with just one emergency callout in the same time period last year.

The voluntary team, which consists of active corporate and commercial pilots typically receives 30 to 40 calls each year - with 26 so far in 2024 where lives were at risk.

Around 60% of calls result in aircraft taking off.

The organisation relies entirely on donations to cover its £300,000 annual running cost.

Manager John Fitzgerald says his team's dedication is clear:

"An increase in the utilisation of CIAS by the Channel Islands and French authorities is a testament to the skills of the crew and the sophistication of the kit on board the aircraft.

"We’re now a key search and rescue asset for the wider community."

He says the demand has taken a toll on the volunteers:

"All crew who've been involved are all pretty pooped at the moment! We have all go out day time jobs, and we are also always running events at the hangar in the evenings.  We are always on the go, telling people what we do and how we do it."