The Sea Rescue Service is a part of a global system which monitors the distress frequencies and deploys Search and Rescue (SAR) resources in response to persons or vessels in distress.

The SAR Committee, known as Search and Rescue St Helena or SARSH, is an established committee comprising various government departments and partner agencies, including St Helena Sea Rescue Service, with the aim of ensuring a coordinated and effective Aeronautical, Maritime and Land Based Search and Rescue capability and service within the territorial waters of St Helena and agreed Sub-Region, and to assist other agencies as far as practical in the geographical areas adjacent..

To be able to respond and meet international obligations the Sea Rescue Service has the following Search and Rescue Resources:

In total there are 4 x SAR vessels, of different operating capabilities when considering range from a safe haven and duration. 

  • 1 x offshore vessel

Operating capability – 60 Nautical mile range and 12 hours duration

  • 2x inshore fast response vessels

Operating capability – 25 Nautical mile range and 4.5 hours duration

These vessels cover airport duties as they have the ability to carry mass casualty platforms.

  • 1 x coast and surf vessel

Operating capability – 3 Nautical mile range and 2 hours duration

This vessel allows us to work in close proximity to the shoreline

All vessels are designed to be slipway launched


CONTACT INFORMATION

Emergency: 999

Office: 25215

VHF Radio Channel 16: Sea Rescue Base


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SEA RESCUE SERVICE VISIT:

https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/portfolios/police/sea-rescue-service/