Search and rescue in Cayman Islands assisted by HM Coastguard review

A review of search and rescue (SAR) capabilities by HM Coastguard and funded by the UK’s Conflict Stability and Security Fund has helped the Cayman Islands enhance its operation.

The review, carried out in December 2016, assessed the Cayman Islands SAR capability against international requirements and made practical recommendations.

Some of these have led to the Government of the Cayman Islands buying a rigid hull inflatable boat and five Waverunner personal watercraft. The police helicopter is also being upgraded with night vision capability so it can assist with SAR after dark.

It was commissioned after a high profile tragedy on the islands in 2016. Although the police response to that incident was vindicated, it was recommended that there should be a wider review of SAR across the islands, the wider Caribbean and South Atlantic Overseas Territories.

Sir Alan Massey, Chief Executive of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency said: ‘We often talk about search and rescue being a family. It’s not a phrase we use lightly as we know that what we do when we work together with other organisations saves lives. If we can share our expertise and experience to assist others in that SAR family, we’re only too pleased to do so.’

Governor Helen Kilpatrick said: ‘The UK Coastguard carried out an extensive review of our search and rescue capabilities and made a number of recommendations. I’m pleased to see that there are already practical outcomes stemming from it.’

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