Dundalk Sub Aqua volunteers join national search & recovery conference in Athlone

Back row L/R: Don Baldwin SAR, Gerard Butterly SAR/Co-ordinator Dublin Nth, Finbarr Dillon SAR/DO, Chris O Donnell SAR, Eddie Finegan TO/Diver. Front: Bernie Mc Donnell SAR, Barbara O Connor Diver

placeholder image — Back row L/R: Don Baldwin SAR, Gerard Butterly SAR/Co-ordinator Dublin Nth, Finbarr Dillon SAR/DO, Chris O Donnell SAR, Eddie Finegan TO/Diver. Front: Bernie Mc Donnell SAR, Barbara O Connor Diver

Local unit reflects on the unending commitment of rescue divers

Representatives from Dundalk Sub Aqua Search & Recovery Unit attended the National Search & Recovery Conference, which took place on 15th/16th November at the Athlone Springs Hotel, Westmeath.

The event was attended by approx 100 delegates representing search and rescue units from across the island.

Guest speakers from the emergency agencies, pathology & psychology delivered speeches on their field of expertise.

Discussions took place around the subject of search and rescue divers never stop searching.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Search and rescue divers are a family, & whilst occasionally we fail to bring loved ones home, we never forget or stop searching.

“One case study, of a man missing 19yrs who was returned to his family. Nineteen years after this man went missing, divers on a training exercise came across a steering wheel.

“After investigating further it was discovered it was the same make & model of the missing man's car. Divers involved in the original search 19yrs previously were also involved in the training programme.

“A full scale recovery operation was put in place, & the man was returned home to his family.”