Kent Police Hands £10k to Boost Water Rescue Efforts
Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR) landed a £10,000 boost from Kent Police on Wednesday, 23 November 2022. The cash will fund cutting-edge sonar tech to help find missing people faster and safer.
24/7 Volunteers Ready to Rescue
KSAR is run by dedicated volunteers who stand ready round-the-clock, all year, to track down those who vanish with serious welfare concerns. Now their underwater search game is about to get a serious upgrade.
High-Tech Sonar ROV to Rule the Waves
The donation will go toward a new sonar Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). This fancy gadget will boost KSAR’s ability to scour Kent’s waterways for vulnerable individuals. It builds on previous sonar gear kindly donated by Kent Fire and Rescue.
The ROV means safer searches for volunteers, police, firefighters, and recovery divers, cutting down time spent in risky waters.
Police Fund Backs Local Heroes
The £10k came from Kent Police’s Property Fund, which collects money from selling unclaimed goods and items seized during operations. The fund supports local groups delivering vital services across Kent all year round.
KSAR Water and Sonar Lead Chris Beer said: “This major investment will make searching rivers and lakes in Kent much quicker and far more efficient. If, tragically, the missing person has drowned, our new ROV will also bring much faster closure to families and friends of loved ones, desperately awaiting news.”
Superintendent Warren Franklin from Kent Police added: “KSAR are a valued partner that delivers outstanding work and support for Kent Police, Emergency Service partners and primarily the public. I’m delighted to hand over this cheque on behalf of the Kent Police Property Fund so they can continue their life saving work.”
