2021 Callouts

31 Incidents | 28 Callouts | 1,488 Volunteer hours

DECEMBER 31ST
During the final days of 2021, a DSRT Plymouth team member encountered two lost walkers on the high moor near Two Bridges. The walkers had called the Police but their phones had died. Our team member contacted Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Tavistock, who were already mobilizing. It was decided that our team member would guide the lost walkers to Two Bridges, leading to DSRT Tavistock being stood down. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being properly prepared and equipped for walks on the moor, especially during this time of year when daylight is limited and weather conditions can be challenging. Carrying a map and compass and having the skills to use them is crucial, as they don't rely on battery power.

DECEMBER 29TH
Devon and Cornwall Police requested our help in locating a high-risk missing person near Derriford. With 19 team members gathered at B&Q on Tavistock Road, we received word from the Police that the missing person had been found safe and well. All team members were stood down, allowing everyone to return home in time for their evening meal.

DECEMBER 22ND
Devon and Cornwall Police reached out to us for help in finding a lost walker on the Puffing Billy Track. Our Land Rover 54 promptly headed up the track and eventually located the walker near Left Lake Mires. Fortunately, the individual was cold and tired but uninjured. We safely transported them back to the road-head, where they were met by the Police.

DECEMBER 21ST
The team, along with Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Tavistock, responded to the Police's request for assistance in the ongoing search for a missing male. After assembling at Wigford Down near Cadover Bridge, the team located the individual in the afternoon with the help of the Urban Search & Rescue dog team. Sadly, the gentleman had passed away, and our condolences go out to his family and friends during this challenging time.

DECEMBER 20TH
The team, along with Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Tavistock, Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England Dog Team, and Devon & Cornwall 4x4 Response, were called at 10:55 to assist the Devon and Cornwall Police in the continued search for a high-risk missing person from the previous day. Twenty-one team members assembled at Cadover Bridge and conducted extensive searches of the area, including open moorland, climbing crags, river banks, and wooded areas. The police suspended the search at 16:18, with plans to resume the next day.

• In Attendance: 21 DSRTP, 11 DSRT Tavistock, Search dog, Devon & Cornwall Police, D&CP Marine and Dive Team, D&CP Search Dogs, D&CP Drones, Dartmoor National Park Ranger, Devon & Cornwall 4×4 Response. Total duration: 05hrs 23mins

DECEMBER 19TH
The team responded to a call at 19:31 to assist the Devon and Cornwall Police in searching for a high-risk missing person. Twenty-three team members assembled at Cadover Bridge and were assigned to search the wooded and river areas southwest of the bridge along the River Plym. The police suspended the search at 22:55, with plans to resume the following day.

• In Attendance: 23 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police, D&CP Search Dogs, D&CP Drones, Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, DSFRS Urban Search and Rescue, Devon & Cornwall 4×4 Response. Total duration: 03hrs 24mins

OCTOBER 22ND
Nine hours after responding to the Ford Park Cemetery callout, the team was called upon by the Devon and Cornwall Police for another search operation involving a high-risk individual. Ten team members gathered at Lopwell Dam and were assigned to search the surrounding wooded areas. The assistance of the sister team from Tavistock was requested. However, the search was concluded around 04:00 without finding the missing person.

• In Attendance: 10 DSRT Plymouth, DSRT Tavistock, Search dog, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 07hrs 0mins

OCTOBER 22ND
DSRT Plymouth was called out to assist Devon and Cornwall Police in the search for a high-risk missing person. Fourteen team members gathered at Ford Park Cemetery in Plymouth and were tasked with searching the cemetery, as well as wooded and urban areas in the Ford Park and Mutley areas. At 09:00 AM, the team requested the assistance of their sister team from Tavistock. However, the search was called off around 12:50 PM as the missing person returned home safely. The team expressed gratitude to Ford Park Cemetery Trust for allowing them to use the facilities.

• In Attendance: 15 DSRT Plymouth, DSRT Tavistock, Search dog. Devon & Cornwall Police, Drone Team Devon & Cornwall Police, Dog Teams Devon & Cornwall Police, Royal Navy Police, Dog Teams Royal Navy Police. Total duration: 08hrs 0mins

JULY 17TH
DSRT Plymouth was called out by Devon and Cornwall Police following multiple reports of a red distress flare. Six team members assembled at Harford Moor Gate, with two members and the driver of DART54 dispatched to the Puffing Billy track. The NPAS Helicopter also joined the search. Despite thorough efforts by the team and helicopter, no one requiring assistance was found. The team stood down at 02:30.

• In Attendance: 7 DSRTP, NPAS Helicopter, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 02hrs 56mins

JUNE 27TH
This morning, the team responded to another call from Devon and Cornwall Police to continue the search for a high-risk missing man. Twenty-two team members gathered at Scout Hut carpark near Blindmans Wood. Our task was to search the areas within Blindmans Wood. The police stood us down around 15:00, but unfortunately, the young man was not found during this search.

• In Attendance: 22 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 04hrs 0mins

JUNE 26TH
The team, along with assistance from our sister team in Tavistock, was called to assist Devon and Cornwall Police in the search for a high-risk missing person. Twenty-three team members gathered at Morrisons Supermarket Car Park in Plymouth to await instructions. Our task was to search the wooded areas near Manadon and Higher Compton. However, the search was halted by the police around 03:15 as the young man was not found at that time.

• In Attendance: 13 DSRTP, 10 DSRT Tavistock, Search dog, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 04hrs 0mins

JUNE 18TH
DSRT Plymouth responded to a call from Devon and Cornwall Police to assist in the search for a high-risk missing person. Approximately five to ten team members assembled at the Rescue Centre to await instructions. However, before the search could commence, the missing person returned home safely. As a result, the team stood down at 02:00.

• In Attendance: 15 DSRTP, Search dog, NPAS Helicopter, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 02hrs 0mins

JUNE 13TH
Devon & Cornwall Police called out the team to locate three horse riders and horses in need of assistance near Caters Beam due to difficulties in boggy ground. Ten team members assembled at Peat Cott and a group of seven set off to find the riders. With the help of a member from Tavistock team, they were located and found tired, requiring guidance for a safe route off the moor. After a health and safety check, the team accompanied the riders back to their horse trailers. The callout concluded at 19:50.

• In Attendance: 10 DSRTP, 1 DSRT Tavistock, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 2hrs 40mins

MAY 23RD
Devon & Cornwall Police issued a full team callout to locate and evacuate a 30-year-old female with a lower leg injury. Eighteen team members gathered at Shaugh Prior carpark. The casualty was successfully located and extracted to the car park, where she was then taken by her family to Derriford Hospital A&E. It was later confirmed that she had broken her ankle. The team stood down at 16:00, allowing them to enjoy their Sunday roast. Wishing the casualty a speedy recovery.

• In Attendance: 18 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 2hrs 0mins

MAY 19TH
In response to public reports of a male calling for help in the Piles Copse area of South Dartmoor, the team was tasked by the police to conduct a search. Twenty team members assembled at New Waste and were divided into three teams. They were transported to their designated search areas across the River Erme using Land Rovers. Despite an extensive search, no one was found, and the team was stood down at 22:30.

• In Attendance: 20 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 04hrs 45mins

MAY 15TH
On Saturday, the team was called upon by SWAST to assist with a reported incident of a male falling from a viaduct. A small team provided assistance in extracting the individual. Our condolences go out to his family and friends during this challenging period.

• In Attendance: 3 DSRTP, Devon Air Ambulance, SWAST Ambulance, SWAST HART, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 03hrs 00mins

APRIL 26TH
DSRT Plymouth was called out to support Devon and Cornwall Police in a search for a missing person. Twenty-seven team members gathered near Newnham Industrial Estate, awaiting instructions. The missing person was a cause for concern as her family expressed worries about her well-being. Unfortunately, the search concluded without finding the missing person, and the team stood down at 02:00.

• In Attendance: 27 DSRTP NPAS Helicopter, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 04hrs 45mins

APRIL 14TH
Devon & Cornwall Police requested a full team callout to assist SWAST Ambulance with a "casualty on the moor." However, the initial location provided by SWAST was incorrect, and the team had to relocate to a new rendezvous point (RV). It was later discovered that the incident involved a group of teenagers camping near Piles Copse, one of whom had consumed excessive alcohol and was initially unresponsive. Three members of the group were already at the RV, while the team's Land Rover was dispatched to meet the police and paramedics on scene. The remaining teenagers were safely transported back to the RV. After being assessed by the paramedics, the teenager was discharged to the care of their parents. The team was stood down at 05:00, ready to resume their duties.

• In Attendance: 11 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police, SWAFT Ambulance, NAPS Helicopter. Total duration: 2hrs 0mins

MARCH 31ST
Rescue Team Tavistock in the search for a high-risk missing person. Nine members of our team joined the operation at Harrowbeer Airfield, Yelverton. However, at around 05:00, the police informed us that the missing person had called them from a phonebox in Yelverton, indicating they had been in the area near Dousland throughout the night. With this update, the team was stood down at 05:04.

• In Attendance: 9 DSRTP, DSRT Tavistock, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 3hrs 25mins

MARCH 14TH
DSRT Plymouth was called out to assist Devon and Cornwall Police in the search for a missing person. Twenty-one team members, along with HM Coast Guard Search and Rescue, gathered near Bigbury-on-Sea. The missing person was a staff member of the Burgh Island Hotel, and a land search was deemed necessary. Unfortunately, the search proved unsuccessful, and the team was stood down at 16:00. The team expresses gratitude to the local community for their support, particularly the Bigbury Cafe, for providing refreshments during the operation.

• In Attendance: 21 DSRTP, HM Coast Guard Search and Rescue, NPAS Helicopter, Devon & Cornwall Police, Total duration: 06hrs 30mins

FEBRUARY 15TH
Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth were called out to assist Devon and Cornwall Police in the search for a missing person. Twenty-five team members, along with HM Coast Guard Search and Rescue, gathered near Warren Cottage. However, before the search teams could be deployed, the missing person arrived safely at the rendezvous point. The team was subsequently stood down at 18:30.

• In Attendance: 25 DSRTP, HM Coast Guard Search and Rescue, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 1hrs 15mins

JANUARY 30TH
Devon & Cornwall Police requested a full team callout to assist SWAST Ambulance with a mountain bike accident. Twenty-six team members assembled at Cann Woods near Woodside Animal Centre. The casualty was located and safely extracted to the roadside, where an ambulance transported them to the hospital. We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.

• In Attendance: 26 DSRTP, Devon & Cornwall Police, SWAFT Ambulance, Total duration: 1hrs 45mins

JANUARY 21ST
Devon & Cornwall Police requested our team's assistance in a search for a missing person, joining forces with Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Ashburton. Fifteen team members, along with other search and rescue teams, gathered at Honiton Fire station. Despite our efforts, the missing person was not found, and the team stood down at 20:45.

• In Attendance: 11 DSRTP, DSRT Ashburton, North Dartmoor SRT, Exmoor SRT, Urban Search and Rescue from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, 1 Search dog from Urban Search and Rescue, Devon & Cornwall Police. Total duration: 10hrs 45mins

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