Our team was requested by Devon & Cornwall Police to assist in the search for a high-risk missing person who had not returned home after walking his two dogs the previous evening.

Upon receiving the call-out, team members swiftly deployed to the Burncoose area. Two foot teams and our off-road response vehicle were dispatched to begin the search.

We were supported on the ground by two Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England (MRSDE) teams, with a third en route. East Cornwall Search & Rescue Team were placed on standby in the event the search extended further into the day.

After more than three hours of searching rural terrain, including fields and woodland, one of our foot teams spotted two loose dogs. As they approached, they located the missing gentleman—thankfully safe.

He was immediately assessed and treated by one of our Remote Rescue Medical Technicians (RRMTs). Working together with the search dog handlers, the team carefully packaged and stretchered him to a waiting ambulance for further care.

We wish him a full and speedy recovery.

📷 Photos below were taken by team members during the search.

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About Us

West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team is made up entirely of dedicated volunteers. We operate 24/7, 365 days a year, providing support to the emergency services in the search for missing, vulnerable, and injured individuals across West Cornwall.

We receive no government funding and rely entirely on public donations to continue our life-saving work.

If you would like to support us, please consider making a donation: westcornwallsar.co.uk/support-us

We are proud members of Mountain Rescue England and Wales and the British Cave Rescue Council (BCRC).

Our sincere thanks to North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, East Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, and Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team for their supporting with their specialist search dog teams during this incident.