‘Lives were saved last night’: Specialist search and rescue team shares incredible images from across flooded Northamptonshire

The team was in action throughout the night - rescuing eight people and a rabbit
By Kate Cronin
Published 24th Dec 2020, 10:06 BST
Updated 24th Dec 2020, 10:12 BST
The team saved eight people last nightThe team saved eight people last night
The team saved eight people last night

An expert team of local volunteers attended an incredible THIRTEEN major flooding incidents across Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and East Northants last night (Wednesday, December 23)

During some of the most widespread flash-flooding seen for many years across the entire north of the county, members of Northamptonshire Search and Rescue were a key part of the official response.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The group of 43 highly-trained volunteers is more used to providing assistance in missing person searches, but can also be called on to help in all types of major emergency situation.

The team uses equipment to help them asses the water depthThe team uses equipment to help them asses the water depth
The team uses equipment to help them asses the water depth

Search manager Neil Balderson said: “We were called at approximately 2pm yesterday to assist fire and police crews with a major flooding incident.

“We deployed two water rescue teams in two specialist vehicles and, in all, attended 13 jobs including five people rescued from three cars trapped in flood water near Irchester.

“We aided one adult and two children trapped in a flooded car near Oundle, and one adult and a rabbit trapped in a flooded car near Thrapston.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

”We also assisted Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue service to access and assess a flooded Care home near Corby.

The SAR team worked throughout the night and is back at work again this morningThe SAR team worked throughout the night and is back at work again this morning
The SAR team worked throughout the night and is back at work again this morning

”The team came across one car accident in front of them, and delivered immdiate first aid and stayed with casualties for 90 mins before handing over to EMAS

“The team was finally stood down at 3.30am.

“We are all now reconvening to decontaminate the vehicles and get ready again.The volunteering never stops.

”We are sure lives have been saved again last night.”

The team relies entirely on voluntary donations. You can help by donating here.

Related topics:NorthamptonshireCorbyKetteringWellingborough