2020 Callouts
26 x Incidents | 23 x Call Outs | 1,903.5 volunteer hours
DECEMBER 18TH
At 15:55, Devon & Cornwall Police established the Search & Rescue 'Cell' (SARCELL) in anticipation of heavy rainfall and potential flooding across the peninsula. At 17:03, the team was put on standby to join the multi-agency response to the floods. Throughout the night, the team was deployed to various locations, including a caravan park at Notter Bridge, Saltash, where the River Lynher had flooded homes and required evacuation. Working alongside other search and rescue teams, fire services, and police, the team successfully rescued 8 individuals and 2 dogs. They were stood down at 04:30 and returned to the Rescue Center by 05:30 after completing their tasks and ensuring the safety of those at risk.
In Attendance: 13 DSRTP (2 type C Teams of 6 and 1 Search Manager), DSRT Ashburton, DSRT Tavistock, Exmoor SRT, East Cornwall SRT, HM Coastguard SRT, Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, Environment Agency, Devon and Cornwall 4×4, Devon & Cornwall Police, Total duration: 12hrs 30mins
NOVEMBER 28TH
On Saturday, the team was called out by Devon & Cornwall Police to resume the search for the missing male in Yealmpton. Despite the team's efforts, the missing person was not sighted, and the search was halted around 12:30. Police inquiries are still ongoing in relation to the case.
In Attendance: 25 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 2hrs 30mins
NOVEMBER 27TH
On Friday, the team was called out by Devon & Cornwall Police to resume the search for the missing male in Ivybridge. Despite ongoing efforts, the missing person was not sighted, and the search was halted around 16:30. There were plans to potentially resume the search the following day.
In Attendance: 12 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police, Total duration: 5hrs 30mins
NOVEMBER 26TH
consisting of 12 SRT (MOD3) and 3 MOD2, to conduct a search of the River Erme. Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service also deployed 5 SRT to assist in the search. Unfortunately, the missing male was not sighted, and the search was halted around 16:30. There were plans to potentially resume the search the following day. The team extends their gratitude to The Salvation Army in Ivybridge for providing coffee, tea, and biscuits.
In Attendance: 17 DSRTP, 6 Devon & Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, Devon & Cornwall Police, Total duration: 7hrs 30mins
NOVEMBER 25TH
On Wednesday, the team was called out by Devon & Cornwall Police to resume the search for the missing male in Ivybridge. Despite continued efforts, the missing person was not sighted, and the search was halted around 16:30. There were plans to potentially resume the search the following day.
In Attendance: 21 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police, Total duration: 6hrs 30mins
NOVEMBER 24TH
Devon & Cornwall Police initiated a full team callout on Tuesday afternoon to search for a high-risk missing male. Our sister team from Ashburton joined us for the search. After arriving at Ivybridge, teams were formed to begin searching the area. Unfortunately, there were no sightings of the missing male, and the search was halted around 20:00hrs with plans to potentially resume the following day.
In Attendance: 21 DSRTP, 22 DSRT Ashburton, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 7hrs 00mins
SEPTEMBER 29TH
Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth responded to a callout from Devon and Cornwall Police for a missing person search. Thirty-three team members gathered near Bircham Valley Nature Reserve and were assigned search areas. Four foot teams and one dog team were deployed for the search. However, at 20:00, it was decided to end the search due to the limited daylight and challenging terrain.
In Attendance: 33 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police, Total duration: 3hrs 45mins
JULY 30TH
The Devon & Cornwall Police issued a full team callout to assist SWAST Ambulance in helping a female casualty who had suffered an ankle injury from a trip and fall. The casualty was found near the River Plym, close to Cadover Bridge Carpark, prompting us to request assistance from our sister team in Tavistock for the stretcher carry. Despite the challenges faced during the extraction, we successfully transported the female from the site to the carpark, and she is now en route to the hospital. We send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the casualty.
In Attendance: 17 DSRTP, DSRT Ashburton, Devon & Cornwall Police, SWAFT Ambulance, SWAFT HART, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service.. Total duration: 5hrs 0mins
JULY 25TH
Devon & Cornwall Police requested our team's assistance in an ongoing search for a missing person, supporting Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Ashburton. Elven members from our team traveled to the RV point near Cullompton, where they were joined by Urban Search and Rescue from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. We were glad to provide additional manpower to assist Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Ashburton in their search efforts. Unfortunately, the missing person was not found, and the team stood down at 17:00.
In Attendance: 11 DSRTP, DSRT Ashburton, Urban Search and Rescue from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, 1 Search dog from Urban Search and Rescue, Devon & Cornwall Police, Total duration: 6hrs 30mins
JULY 25TH
Devon & Cornwall Police called us to aid our sister team from Ashburton in an ongoing search for a missing person. However, while team members were en route to the rendezvous point, we received a stand-down notification as the missing person had returned home.
In Attendance: 10 DSRTP, DSRT Ashburton, NAPS Helicopter, Devon & Cornwall Police, Total duration: 0hrs 30mins
JULY 21ST
Devon & Cornwall Police requested our team's assistance in an ongoing search for a missing person, supporting West Cornwall Search and Rescue Team. Seven of our members joined East Cornwall Search and Rescue Team at the RV point in Castle an Dinas quarry, Penzance. We were glad to provide additional manpower to Cornwall West SRT, especially as they were also dealing with another incident in their area. Regrettably, the missing person was not found, and the team stood down at 21:00.
In Attendance: 7 DSRTP, West Cornwall SRT, East Cornwall SRT, Devon & Cornwall Police, 1 Search Dog from Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England, HM Coastguard, Devon & Cornwall Police search manager from HQ Exeter. Total duration: 10hrs 0mins
JULY 12TH
On Sunday, the team received a call to support West Cornwall Search and Rescue Team in the search for a missing person. Eighteen members, divided into two water teams and a foot team, traveled to the local fire service headquarters in Camborne. Despite the hot and humid weather, the teams were briefed on the incident and search areas. The foot teams from Cornwall and Plymouth were deployed while the water teams prepared their equipment. The terrain was challenging, filled with brambles, nettles, and old machinery. After several hours of searching, the water team unfortunately located the deceased missing person. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends, and we thank the Cornwall team for allowing us to assist and contribute to providing closure. Special thanks go to our team members for their exceptional efforts in difficult circumstances.
In Attendance:, 18 DSRTP, West Cornwall SRT, Devon & Cornwall Police, 2 Search Dogs from Devon & Cornwall Police, Devon & Cornwall Police search manager from HQ Exeter. Total duration: 7hrs 0mins.
JULY 8TH
Our sister team from Ashburton requested a full team callout to aid in a search for a missing person. However, while team members were en route to the rendezvous point, we received a stand-down notification as the missing person was located.
In Attendance: DSRTP, DSRT Ashburton, Devon & Cornwall Police, MCA Helicopter. Total duration: 0hrs 15mins
JULY 7TH
Devon & Cornwall Police requested a full team call out to assist in the recovery of a stranded vulnerable camper from Sharp Tor. The missing person was found on the Puffing Billy Track, south of Sharp Tor, and was safely transported back to the rendezvous point in the team Land Rover. Subsequently, he was handed over to the police for transportation back home.
In Attendance: 14 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police, Total duration: 3hrs 15mins
JUNE 24TH
The team received a second callout of the evening to assist a female who had injured her ankle after tripping and falling near the River Plym, close to Cadover Bridge Carpark. Working alongside the Police and SWAST, we successfully evacuated the casualty from the site to the carpark. The female has been transported to the hospital for further treatment, and we send our best wishes for a speedy recovery.
In Attendance: 11 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police, SWAFT Ambulance. Total duration: 2hrs 30mins
JUNE 24TH
Devon & Cornwall Police requested a full team call out to assist in searching for a high-risk missing male who had not returned home. However, while team members were en route to the rendezvous point, we received a stand-down notification as the missing person was found safe by the police.
In Attendance: DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police, Total duration: 0hrs 30mins
MARCH 7TH
Devon & Cornwall Police requested a full team call out to aid East Cornwall Search & Rescue team in searching for a high-risk male who had not returned from a walk the previous day. However, while team members were en route to the rendezvous point, we received a stand-down notification as a vigilant member of the public spotted the missing person and ensured their safe return.
In Attendance: 8 DSRTP, East Cornwall SRT, Devon & Cornwall Police, NAPS Helicopter, Total duration: 1hrs 0mins
FEBRUARY 15TH
The team was placed on standby at 16:28 by the Devon & Cornwall Police via the Search & Rescue ‘Cell’ (SARCELL) to participate in the multi-agency flood response across Devon & Cornwall due to Storm Dennis. At 18:38, the water team was instructed to relocate to the rescue center and be prepared for deployment. SARCELL stood down the team at 21:40 but remained on standby for rapid response overnight and the following day. It is advised to prioritise safety if venturing outside, as conditions may have temporarily improved but are expected to deteriorate again within the next 24 hours.
In Attendance: 14 DSRTP. Total duration: 5hrs 30mins
FEBRUARY 8TH
Devon & Cornwall Police requested a full team call out, including our sister team from Tavistock, for a missing person search. However, while team members were en route to the rendezvous point, we received a stand-down notification as the missing person had safely returned home.
In Attendance: DSRTP, DSRT Tavistock, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 0hrs 15mins
January 13th
The team received a call from the Ambulance Service at 12:47 hrs to aid in evacuating an adult male experiencing abdomen pain from a remote area near Saltash. Using a stretcher carry, we successfully extracted the individual and handed him over to the awaiting ambulance crew. We extend our well wishes for a swift recovery from his injury.
In Attendance: 10 DSRTP, SWAST Ambulance. Total duration: 1hrs 30mins
JANUARY 4TH
Devon & Cornwall Police requested the full deployment of our team for a land and water search to locate a high-risk missing 62-year-old male with medical issues. In order to enhance search coverage, we also enlisted the support of our sister team from Tavistock. Regrettably, the missing individual was discovered deceased. Our condolences and thoughts are with the family and friends during this difficult time.
In Attendance: 24 DSRTP, 18 DSRT Tavistock members, 1 Mountain Rescue Search Dog, Devon & Cornwall Police, Total duration: 5hrs 30mins
JANUARY 2ND
The Team was requested by Devon & Cornwall Police to deploy our water team in the ongoing search for a high-risk missing 62-year-old male with medical issues. Collaborating with Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, our team checked all watercourses in the search area as part of a multi-agency operation. The search efforts for the day were concluded at 15:30.
In Attendance: 10 DSRTP, 1 Mountain Rescue Search Dog, Devon & Cornwall Police, National Police Air Service, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. Total duration: 6hrs 25mins
JANUARY 1ST
On New Year's Day, the Team was called by the Police to assist in the search for a 62-year-old male who was high-risk and had several medical issues. He had left his home in Estover wearing only pyjamas, a dressing gown, and slippers. Our members, along with the Tavistock team, conducted a search in woodland, open ground, and steeply-sloping areas with dense undergrowth. Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service also checked watercourses in the vicinity. All teams were stood down at 18:00, and we extend our gratitude to PSP for allowing us to use their car park.
In Attendance: 24 DSRTP, 26 DSRT Tavistock, 3 Mountain Rescue Search Dogs, Devon & Cornwall Police, 1 Devon & Cornwall Police Dog, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. Total duration: 8hrs 39mins