Three local firefighters have been praised after helping with search and rescue efforts in Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that have killed more than 5,000 people.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) Watch Managers Gavin Kearsley, Dan Davey and Mike Hirst were part of the 68-strong UK ISAR (International Search and Rescue) response team sent after two earthquakes struck the South American country on 24 June.
They flew to the disaster zone just under a month ago, joining colleagues from 13 other fire and rescue services across the country to help co-ordinate urban search and rescue efforts amid the devastation.
The trio flew from RAF Brize Norton as part of the UK’s humanitarian response to the earthquakes, which have claimed over 5,300 lives and injured more than 16,000 people, with many more still missing.
It’s estimated 18,000 people have lost their homes.
Operating from a Base of Operations in La Guaira, the team worked closely with Venezuelan authorities, United Nations agencies and international response partners to co-ordinate urban search and rescue efforts.
Some of the work they carried out included extensive search and structural assessment activity across affected communities.
Working in challenging conditions, they assessed hundreds of damaged buildings, identified hazards and humanitarian needs, and helped determine where further rescue operations should be focused.
The team also had specialist search dogs who helped with searches and clearing structures.
GMFRS Watch Manager Gav Kearsley said: “I had the privilege, alongside Mike and Dan, of being part of the UK ISAR team that deployed to Venezuela after two back-to-back earthquakes struck. Sadly, thousands of people lost their lives and millions of people have been affected across the country, and our thoughts remain with everyone in Venezuela.
“During our time in Venezuela, we supported extensive search and rescue activities and carried out structural assessments across affected communities. One operation saw us work alongside the USA team for 48 hours to tunnel through one of the work sites searching for people.
“A defining moment for me was seeing people searching through a large pile of rubble for their loved ones. They were understanding enough to stop their searches and trust us, the dogs and our technical equipment.
“As part of one of our Enhanced Rescue Units and fire stations we gain the skills to be able to apply for opportunities to join the UK ISAR team when selection processes are run.”
GMFRS Assistant Chief Fire officer Jim Willmott thanked them for carrying out complex searches and rescues.
He said: “On behalf of everyone at GMFRS I want to say a huge thank you to Gav, Dan and Mike on their efforts as part of the UK ISAR team’s recent deployment to Venezuela.
“The work and training carried out by our Enhanced Rescue Station crews equips them with the knowledge and skills to carry out complex rescues and searches, both locally and overseas.
In addition to the recent UK ISAR team deployment to Venezuela, our team also responded to floods in Mozambique in January this year, and earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco in 2023, putting their skills to fantastic use.”
