Nine specialist firefighters from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have been deployed to Turkey following this week’s devastating earthquake.
They are part of a team of 77 UK search and rescue specialists who have arrived in Gaziantep, alongside equipment and four search dogs.
The UK International Search and Rescue team is made up of firefighters and staff from 14 fire and rescue services from across the country.
They will be using specialist search equipment including:
- seismic listening devices
- concrete cutting and breaking equipment, and
- propping and shoring tools
Their world-class specialist skills and state-of-the-art heavy duty equipment will allow the UK team to cut their way into buildings and locate survivors in the rubble during this vital time.
The team is self-sufficient upon arrival and provides its own food, water, shelter, sanitation, communications and all necessary equipment to undertake search and rescue operations.
The HIWFRS team has set up the Base of Operations at Hatay Stadium and have been helping with the search and rescue operation in and around the city of Antakaya.
Watch Manager Robin Bates said:
“It’s very humbling to be here. To be pulling people out alive, and to then look at the team’s faces when they return, just means so much.
“The devastation is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It looks like someone has just pushed the buildings over and we’re still getting after-shocks.
“It’s good that we’re able to do something to help. We’re here to do something that matters.”
Click here to find out more about USAR and the role they play.
