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Caribbean search & rescue teams boost expertise in VI

Governor Daniel Pruce, front centre, with participants and instructors of the two-week search and rescue training programme. Photo: Facebook
On January 17, 2025, Virgin Islands Governor Mr Daniel Pruce visited the exercise to observe a simulated rescue operation. Photo: Facebook
On January 17, 2025, Virgin Islands Governor Mr Daniel Pruce visited the exercise to observe a simulated rescue operation. Photo: Facebook
ROAD REEF, Tortola, VI—A two-week search-and-rescue training programme was conducted in the Virgin Islands (VI) from January 13 to 24, 2025, bringing together rescue teams from the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) and maritime protection units from Anguilla, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Facilitated by trainers from HM Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the course focused on ‘training-the-trainers’ to enhance rescue capabilities and foster knowledge sharing among participating territories. The comprehensive programme featured theoretical instruction, tabletop exercises, and hands-on rescue simulations.

The RNLI, a UK-based organisation with over 200 years of lifesaving expertise, spearheaded the training to support international crews in meeting industry standards and refining their operational skills.

Meeting international standards

On January 17, 2025, Virgin Islands Governor Mr Daniel Pruce visited the exercise to observe a simulated rescue operation. Following the exercise, he commended the RNLI and UK Coastguard for their contributions, stating, “This training ensures our crews meet international standards to provide the best possible service; I know we are all in safe hands.”

David R. Whiddon, Senior International Programmes Manager at the RNLI, also spoke to the importance of global collaboration in lifesaving efforts.

According to Mr Whiddon, “Drowning claims 300,000 lives annually worldwide, Sharing knowledge builds capacity to save more lives while also allowing us to learn from others.”

Meanwhile, VISAR Operations Manager Mr J. Phil Aspinall MBE expressed gratitude for the RNLI’s guidance in highlighting the benefits of addressing shared challenges through tailored solutions. “The RNLI’s expertise is an invaluable resource for all of us in this industry.”

4 Responses to “Caribbean search & rescue teams boost expertise in VI”

  • Jose (30/01/2025, 18:39) Like (0) Dislike (13) Reply
    15 of them couldn't swim 50 feet without sinking
  • ... (30/01/2025, 18:57) Like (5) Dislike (17) Reply
    them uk governors know why them block the locals form having their own search and rescue..set of racist
  • cap (31/01/2025, 10:35) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thank you to all VISAR members for selflessly giving up their own time and for the hard work they put into responding to marine emergencies. It’s a huge benefit to our society having trained medics across the islands. Maybe one day, whoever these idiots leaving disgusting and cowardly comments are, will get stuck out at sea and I hope they change their attitude when they get rescued.
  • Thank you - but more is needed (31/01/2025, 17:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We in the BVI do a great job with rescue. Many fantastic people who are dedicated to water rescue. So thank you!
    BUT the vast majority of these rescue operations are PREVENTABLE accidents due to lax water safety training and enforcement. Captains driving too fast in mooring fields and Anchorages. Dingy drivers operate with no lights at night and no kill cords. People who over power their boats with 4-5 outboards. Laws already exist for these simple safety rules. We need to spend more energy with education and introduce fines for people who break these rules.
    Wouldn’t it be great not to read about more marine accidents and fatalities!


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