Search team efforts recognised

Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) would like to commend the efforts of our Wesfarmers Emergency Response Team (WERT) volunteer jet ski operators for their outstanding efforts in a search and rescue operation carried out last month.

At approximately 1.30pm on Sunday 7 July, Esperance Surf Life Saving Club was advised of a missing person between Roses-Quallup and Warrenup beaches, approximately 40km west of Esperance.

Within 90 minutes, three volunteers were mobilised to the location to provide both on-water and ground support to other agencies including the WA Police, the WA Police Dive Squad and Volunteer Marine Rescue in their search for the individual.

Overnight, volunteers from the Denmark SLSC, including two WERT members, also travelled to the site to provide further assistance in the ongoing search activities.

Over three days the team members provided critical assistance, with the jet skis proving indispensable in providing access close to shore where, due to sea conditions and submerged hazards, other vessels were not able to venture.

Acting Sergeant Chris Jacob of the WA Police Dive Squad praised the WERT members stating their support and training was critical in providing assistance to the police divers, enabling his team to carry out their search activities effectively.

Thank you also to the North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club who were on standby and at the ready to send additional WERT members as necessary, and to the SurfCom team located at SLSWA State Operations Centre who remained in constant contact with the WA Police and WERT members throughout the tasking.

Tragically, the missing person was not found and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the individual.

Mention also to WERT members from Smiths Beach and Busselton who were called out to assist in search activity on the Thursday preceding this incident where the jet skis were once again invaluable in providing on-water assistance to other agencies in their endeavours to locate a missing person.

Find out more about our Wesfarmers Jet Ski Teams.