Latest callout

The team was called out on 7th January to assist in the search for a missing 94 year old male in West Mersea.

Callout at 16:44, stand down at 22:00.

Previous callout

The team was called out on 29th December to assist in the search for a missing person in Saffron Walden, but were stood down en route.

Callout at 19.59 hrs, stand down at 20.30 hrs.

2011 was the busiest year ever for EssexSAR since its formation in 2002. The team was called out 51 times during the year to assist in the search for high risk missing people in Essex, and a further 19 times in neighbouring counties, searching for 53 separate missing people. This equates to an average of one callout every 5 days. In total, a massive 2,100 person-hours of search was undertaken, a huge achievement for our team of dedicated volunteers.

This just goes to show the value of having a voluntary search & rescue team on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to help save lives in Essex. Make it your New Year's resolution to support Essex SAR in 2012, either by joining us as a member of the search team, or by helping us with fundraising. Get in contact today!

A team of six runners representing Essex SAR is due to take on the rigours of the Brentwood Half Marathon next year, in order to raise money for the team. The team, which consists of both more experienced runners plus complete novices, will tackle the course on 25th March 2012.

Training has already started, and watch this space for further updates plus details of how YOU can support your local search & rescue team!

Chalkwell Redcaps, an open water swimming group, have chosen EssexSAR as one of the charities to benefit from a major fundraising challenge to be held in July 2012.

A team of six swimmers from the Redcaps will attempt to swim across the Thames from Southend to Kent and back again in the space of one tide. More details on the challenge can be found here .

We're very excited about this, and look forward to bringing you more updates in due course!

For more information on the Chalkwell Redcaps, please see their website .

For most of us, even the thought of running a marathon is enough to bring on a cold sweat, let alone actually doing it. However, for some, one marathon is simply not enough …

Vic Faccini, a search technician with EssexSAR, has set himself the challenge of competing in the Caesar’s Camp 50 Mile Endurance race on 22nd October 2011. This takes place near Aldershot in a military training area over “downright brutal” terrain, which varies from soft sand to hard rock. There are steep climbs and descents, and in total over the 50 miles Vic will climb over 2,300m (about one quarter the height of Mt Everest, and not far off twice the height of Ben Nevis).

To add to the challenge, Vic is raising money for EssexSAR and is seeking sponsorship. Please take the time to visit Vic’s MyDonate fundraising page and help him reach (and exceed!) his target.

Please let your friends, family, and work colleagues know and encourage them to support Vic as well. EssexSAR is looking to replace our existing control vehicle as it is approaching the end of its useful working life – so every penny raised will count!

Many thanks in advance for your support.