A Canadian Search & Rescue helicopter refuelling on Sable Island, May 12, 2004.  This is one of the new Cormorant helicopters.  These new aircraft have greater range than the older Sea King and Voyager helicopters, and being able to refuel offshore enables SAR to fly for even longer and/or farther. 

While SAR helicopters have refuelled on the offshore industry platforms in the area, the platforms do not necessarily have fuel to spare (as was the case here).   Refuelling on the Island is also safer – there are a number of hazards inherent in landing on and taking off from an offshore platform.