UK International Search and Rescue Team Returns Home Following Earthquake Response in Venezuela

UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) personnel have returned to the UK following a major international deployment to support the response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June.

The 68-strong team, made up of firefighters and specialist personnel from 14 UK fire and rescue services, deployed with six search dogs and specialist capabilities including medical, engineering and veterinary support. The team was mobilised from RAF Brize Norton as part of the UK’s humanitarian response to the disaster, which claimed more than 1,900 lives and affected millions of people across the country.

During their deployment, UK ISAR established a Base of Operations in La Guaira and played a key role in coordinating international urban search and rescue activity alongside Venezuelan authorities, United Nations agencies and global response partners.

Throughout the operation, the team carried out extensive search, reconnaissance and structural assessment activity across earthquake-affected communities. Working in challenging conditions, the team conducted street-by-street assessments of hundreds of damaged buildings, identified hazards and humanitarian needs, and helped determine where further search and rescue efforts should be focused.

The team’s six specialist search dogs were used throughout the operation to support search efforts and help safely clear structures. UK ISAR personnel also worked alongside international search and rescue teams from countries including Chile, the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Qatar and Ecuador as part of a coordinated multinational response.

In addition to search and rescue activity, UK ISAR supported wider humanitarian and operational efforts, sharing information with the UN and UK Government, supporting medical coordination arrangements and hosting visits from diplomatic and international partners.

As the emergency response moved into its final stages, UK ISAR coordinated the safe demobilisation and repatriation of personnel, dogs and specialist equipment before returning to the UK.

Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Phil Garrigan, said:

“I know the whole of the UK Fire and Rescue Services is incredibly proud of the UK ISAR team and their relentless efforts during this deployment. Working in extremely challenging conditions, they demonstrated the professionalism, expertise and compassion that makes the UK’s search and rescue capability world-class.

“Our thoughts remain with the people of Venezuela, so many of whom have suffered unimaginable loss. The team have expressed how the warmth, gratitude and welcome shown to them throughout the operation will stay with them for a long time.

“I would also like to recognise the contribution of the search dogs and handlers, who played a vital role throughout the response. Deployments of this nature can have a lasting impact on everyone involved, and I thank all of the UK ISAR personnel for their commitment, dedication and service.”

ENDS 

Notes to editors

• The UK ISAR team UKISAR – UK International Search and Rescue is the UK government’s official search and rescue team. The team responds primarily to overseas urban or flood search and rescue emergencies on behalf of the UK and are all trained to use specialist kit, including flood rescue boats and drones. They are sponsored and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
• The team is drawn from 14 UK fire and rescue services and are trained to operate in complex and high-risk environments overseas, providing specialist search and rescue capability in response to major international emergencies.
• Alongside the permanent International Search and Rescue Capability team, comprised of officers seconded to Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, the UK ISAR team deployed to Venezuela has been drawn from the following fire and rescue services:
  • Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
  • Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
  • Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service
  • Kent Fire and Rescue Service
  • Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • London Fire Brigade
  • Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
  • Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
  • Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
  • South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
  • West Midlands Fire Service
• The deployment also includes members of the UMT medical team, a structural engineer, and vet.
• Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is the lead authority for UK ISAR.
• Any UK ISAR team deployed is self-sufficient upon arrival and provides its own food, water, shelter, sanitation, communications and all necessary equipment to undertake search and rescue operations for up to 14 days. This is to ensure no additional burden is placed on a country already suffering demands on its resources following a sudden onset disaster.
• Image Credit: UK ISAR