We are involved in water based missing persons searches, as well as providing safety boat cover for water based events. We currently have over thirty members from all walks of life including a Plumber, Electrician, Paramedic, Software Developer and many more. These volunteers fill the numerous roles required within the unit including divers, sonar operators, boat drivers and support personnel. The
unit presently has four boats, including 2 rigid hull inflatable boats and 2 inflatable boats, which provide us with the ability to search in all types of water including rivers, streams and lakes. The unit also has a C-Max CM2 Side Scan Sonar donated by the O’ Tuama family. This sonar provides a clear picture of the sea floor improving our search capability and decreasing search times in the majority of cases. The sonar is not always successful at locating the missing person but reduces the time divers are in the water by detecting possible targets for our search team to investigate. The sonar also helps with being able to identify possible underwater hazards such as trees, pipes etc before divers enter the water, providing a safer environment to work in. The organisation annually holds a fundraising raft run along the Blackwater river, from Mallow to Killavullen and all donations go towards the upkeep of the base and the equipment. Along with other fundraisers organised by members of the public this forms all of our funding which allows us to provide our service all year round to upgrade and maintain our equipment.
