Our Drowned Victim Search Dog Handler Dave Marsh and his colleague DVSD Handler Mike Dermody (Of British Transport Police) who are both members of SARDA Ireland North, recently made contact with Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team via Trainee Dog Handler Philip Eichmann from Berkshire Search and Rescue, in regards to the use and deployment of DVSD assets.

This morning, they both met up with Patterdale MRTs Deputy Team Leader, Andy Peacock to discuss protocols in the training and deployment of Drowned Victim Search Dogs  [DVSD].

An exercise followed which included Mike – with his DVSD Search Dog Quincy and Dave – with his DVSD Search Dog Sasha, searching the southern boundaries of Ullswater, making use of our 3.4 metre long semi rigid inflatable SAR Boat.

Ably assisted by Bolton MRT Equipment Officer – Water Dave Cook, who acted as coxswain, both dogs and handlers conducted search patterns which covered the surface of the lake efficiently.

Following a de-brief, all were invited back to the Patterdale MRT Base / HQ for tea n’ biscuits and a look around viewing the fantastic facilities that PMRT operate from, and their extensive SAR kit and team vehicles garaged here.

It was discussed that a further exercise would be of benefit in order that more members of Patterdale MRT, Langdale Ambleside MRT, Penrith MRT and Wasdale MRT could view these new Search Dog (DVSD) assets which are readily available to them.