Flying an aerostat mounted camera over Lough Neagh.

Sky Watch NI is an airborne observation charity which has been operating in Northern Ireland since 2009.

Through an MOU with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Sky Watch NI carry out aerial searches for vulnerable, missing people e.g. people with Alzheimer’s, children lost in sand dunes, people at risk of committing suicide and the families of those who have committed suicide.

We also assist the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) through their MOU, by attending fires where fire fighters, wildlife and the environment need protection, to observe and report to the NIFRS personnel on the ground.

The charity is registered and run on a similar basis to the lifeboats. Pilots and aircrew give their time and aircraft free of charge, therefore running costs are low.

Funds generated in Northern Ireland benefit local people in Northern Ireland. Our organisation helps everyone who is in need of our services and is cross-community and non-political.

Pictured at the signing of the agreement are (l-r) Paul Trimble, Chief Pilot, Sky Watch NI and Chris Kerr, Interim Chief Fire Officer, NIFRS.

Our team relies exclusively on volunteers’ help.