"Rescue" on the Thames

[mlines]

hmmm, so the Rescue teams "swept" into the rescue. Somehow I think that the boat would have burnt out before they could arrive in reality as getting their boats to the water and launched is not a quick activity. The only way they could sweep to the rescue is to have a boat stationed on every lock reach with a crew on board all the time. Phoning up to hire the Hobbs day-boat for the rescue is not quick either

http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/re...amatic-moment-berkshire-firefighters-11420265

 

[boatingdave]

hmmm, so the Rescue teams "swept" into the rescue. Somehow I think that the boat would have burnt out before they could arrive in reality as getting their boats to the water and launched is not a quick activity. The only way they could sweep to the rescue is to have a boat stationed on every lock reach with a crew on board all the time. Phoning up to hire the Hobbs day-boat for the rescue is not quick either

http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/re...amatic-moment-berkshire-firefighters-11420265

I bet they didn't have to go through any locks. Real events don't take five months to plan . Its good to see folks getting prepared though even if it just helps a little bit next time. I don't think the response of the fire service will have the greatest impact, I think the vessels ability to cope such as life rafts and/or jackets etc (and in adequate number) will have the biggest impact. As you've implied, in realiality by the time the rescue vessels get there most of the damage would have been done so a greater impact would be had if the vessel had been well prepared and had their own drills. As an ex member of various voluntary rescue organisations the greates benefit is gleaned from the resources immediately on the ground supported and suplemented by incoming resources and the professionals when they can then take over as needed.