MF&RS Marine Rescue Unit 2007

2007 has once again been a busy operational year for the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Marine Rescue Unit.

The Unit has operated from Woodside Ferry Terminal in Birkenhead with the kind and generous co-operation of Mersey Ferries. This support has been invaluable as it has enabled the Unit to operate effectively whilst work to find a permanent home for the Unit continues.

The year has been dominated by fundraising efforts on behalf of charities close to the heart of Rob Gordon a crewman from the Unit who was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor early in the year.

The main fundraising night (organized by Rob�s colleagues at the Unit) was held on board the Mersey Ferry in August. A great night was had and over �3,000 was raised.

A special thank you to all those people & agencies who participated in the night and kindly supported the event.

Rob has since gone on to make a solid recovery and has now returned to work on a part time basis.

2007 has proven to be a special year for a number of crew from the Unit who were in receipt of bravery awards and commendations for the part they played during operational incidents.

The awards were presented on a memorable night at the FACT building in Liverpool by the Chief Officer Tony McGuirk.

Crewmen Kevin Farnan and Alistair Knowles received a Shipwreck & Humane Society award for entering the water to rescue an immersed female from the waters near Liverpool Pier Head. Team Leader Rob Eedle received a Commendation for the part he played in the same incident.

TL Eedle said of the evening, �These awards are received on behalf of all the staff of the MRU and the actions taken by crew�s are a reflection of the types of risks that are necessary to save & protect life on the River Mersey�

Crewman Gary Fitzmaurice also received a Commendation for his actions during an incident behind Woodside Landing Stage where a teenage boy was rescued from the water.
Staff from the Unit also played an important role in the rescue response to flooded areas in Yorkshire and Worcestershire.

MRU Marine Manager Andrew Fell said, �Water rescue has had to be at the top of the agenda across the country during 2007. It has been a testing year for the crew�s of the MRU, who have displayed the utmost professionalism and tenacity and have offered flexibility when required.�

He continued, �The fast response that we uniquely provide has made a real difference. This response enables MF & RS MRU to save and protect life on the River Mersey�.

Incident Breakdown 2007

Vessels assisted: 25
Hazards to shipping removed: 12
Searches for persons reported missing: 26
Airport emergencies: 5
Attempted immersion: 30
First aid rendered: 8
Persons recovered: 11
Firearms recovered: 1
Animals recovered: 3
Immersed vehicles: 1
Investigative missions: 1
Jet skiers assisted: 3 
Emergency flare sightings: 16
General assistance to vessels: 1
Other: 4
Total: 147