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Waterford Marine Search Rescue Statistics 2015

In 2015 Waterford Marine Search and Rescue attended 21 incidents in Waterford City and County. This brings the total to 166 incidents in our 6 year existence. 16 of the 21 incidents occurred during our weekly Suicide Prevention Patrols where our volunteers directly intervened with 16 individuals intent on taking their own lives through suicide, bringing the total over 6 years to 95 individuals. That is 95 lives saved over 6 years. Our Suicide Prevention Patrols have amassed over 2500 volunteer hours. This is in addition to the near 1850 hours clocked up by WMSAR volunteers while searching for missing persons along the River Suir in 2015. In 2015 Waterford Marine Search and Rescue also maintained all the Ring buoys which are strategically placed along the banks of the River Suir and Johns River. Over the course of the year WMSAR recoiled 288 Ring buoys , retrieved 189 from the water and replaced 215 Ring buoys which would have been tampered with or misused throughout the course of the year.. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the public, for supporting us throughout the course of the year. Without your ongoing generosity we would not be able to maintain and provide this vital service in the community. Thank You!

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MISSING FROM WATERFORD 15/01/2016

*MISSING FROM WATERFORD* An appeal has been issued to trace a 24-year-old woman who has been missing from Waterford since New Year’s Day. Simina Crety has been missing from her home at Ballytruckle Road since 1 January. Ms Crety is described as 1.67m (5′ 6″) tall, of slight build with brown hair and brown eyes. It is not known what she was wearing when last seen and it is thought she may have travelled to Dublin. Gardaí say they are concerned for Ms Crety’s welfare and have appealed to anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051-305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any Garda station.

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Wreath Lying Ceremony 10/09/2015

Thank you to everyone who attended our wreath laying and service to mark World Suicide Prevention Week. WMSAR volunteers carried out a suicide prevention patrol last night for the Junior Cert results. During the night crew members spoke to one person experiencing suicidal thoughts who was subsequently assisted by Gardai. Teams maintain a presence on the Waterford’s quayside this evening.

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Member Were Visited by Special Olympian John Deevy 27/08/2015

WMSAR volunteers at the Iverk Show in Piltown recently were delighted to receive a visit from Waterford’s very own Special Olympian John Deevy from Team Ireland who called over to our stand to give us all a glimpse of his very impressive haul of medals from this years Special Olympics Summer Games in Los Angeles. What an absolutely fantastic achievement – We are all proud off you John – keep up the great work!!!

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Home and Away Star Steve Peacock “Brax” Dropped in for a Visit

Waterford Marine Search and Rescue volunteers on their Suicide Prevention Patrols last night were delighted to receive a visit from Home and Away star Steve Peacocke aka “Brax” who took the time out of his busy sold out Irish tour to check in with our volunteers and to get an idea how our patrols work. Thanks also to Industry Entertainment.

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3 Separate Suicidal Incidents within Five Hours on Sunday Night 02/08/2015

WMSAR volunteers had just started an additional suicide prevention patrol for the Bank Holiday weekend last night in very wet and windy conditions when they approached a female near the Rice Bridge area. The female told our volunteers that she intended to enter the water and take her life. Using their HSE and Samaritans training, crew members spoke to the female and prompted her to step away from the water’s edge.An Garda Síochána were alerted and arrived promptly, taking the person to safety. Volunteers were tasked by An Garda Siochana at 00:35 to be on the look out for a male believed to be experiencing suicidal feelings and who was at risk. Crews took a description and extra WMSAR volunteers and resources were drafted in to increase search effectiveness. The person was later located safe and well. Great work by Gardai and an excellent example of inter agency cooperation. Crews stood down at 03:30am after a hectic patrol. At 04:29, volunteers were tasked by Gardai to a report of a female on the wrong side of the quayside wall and very close to the water’s edge with the intention to end her life. 2 x WMSAR boats were immediately launched as well as a foot team who were on scene to support Gardai if required. Boat crews were also joined by WCRR at 05:30 and Waterford Ambulance Service was put on standby by Irish Coastguard MRCC. Thank you to all Emergency Services involved and to Irish Coast Guardfor coordinating an overseeing each incident. This just shows how much a 24/7 suicide crisis service is needed. Photo by Paddy Tubbritt.