I AM writing with regards on the closure of the Portland Coastguard helicopter base featured in Saturday, July 7 edition.

We as a family along with friends are campaigning for signatures.

Tragically Jack Craig, my nephew was on the ‘Purbeck Isle’ which sunk on May 17, 2012 off of Portland. He is still missing along with another member of the crew.

Jack’s mum, Belinda, has started a campaign to support the Portland Coastguard helicopter against government plans to close the base.

We need as much support as possible.

Hundreds of signatures were obtained when we attended the Weymouth Seafood festival. People were approaching us offering their signatures and several people we met had actually experienced the need of the helicopter in saving their lives. We cannot lose this site.

The tragedy which has struck all three families has been heartbreaking, we need something positive to happen.

We encourage visitors to come here and enjoy the Jurassic Coast and yet want to close the Portland Coastguard helicopter base, it is vital to retain this base.

The helicopter and the coastguards play a massive part in saving lives, unfortunately the Purbeck Isle crew were missing before anyone knew.

If any individuals or businesses would like to support us with the campaign please get in touch via the Echo, also to try and stop the closure of the MCA Coastguard station please visit http://epetitions/4403. To stop the closure of the Portland Coastguard Helicopter http://epetitions/30225.

Just to add during the recent flooding the helicopter rescued numerous people whose lives may have been lost had this service not been available.

MISS D JOY, Hilltop Road, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne