The team – which included four officers from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue – arrived back in the UK late on Wednesday (15 February 2023).
Deployed for more than a week, the 77-strong team – along with the four fire and rescue search dogs – landed to a watercannon salute from fire engines at Stansted Airport.
From Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, the UKISAR team included:
- Group Manager, Ashley Hildred
- Sleaford Crew Manager, Colin Calam
- Lincoln South Crew Manager, Mark Dungworth
- Dog Handler, Neil Woodmansey, and his dog, Colin
The team included officers from 13 other fire and rescue services around the UK: Cheshire, Essex, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, London, Mid and West Wales, Merseyside, Scotland, South Wales and West Midlands.
Since they arrived in Turkey on 7 February, the team has searched hundreds of buildings, located and rescued a number of survivors – reuniting people in their darkest hour.
They worked in gruelling conditions, for many hours at a time, to find the survivors amongst the rubble.
They also worked with countless other international search and rescue teams to ensure as many people as possible were located, getting the right kit and equipment to ensure people had the best chance of survival.
Councillor Lindsey Cawrey, executive member for Lincolnshire fire and Rescue, said: "Working alongside other fire and rescue colleagues from around the country, and teams from across the world, they’ve searched hundreds of buildings, in gruelling conditions, and offered hope to people in their darkest hour. They may have missed quality time with their families and loved-ones back home – including Valentine’s Day – but through their search and rescue operations, they’ve managed to reunite other families with their loved ones.
"Our sincerest thanks goes to Ash, Neil, Colin and Mark – and, of course, Colin the dog. What they have achieved in the most difficult of conditions is nothing short of amazing, and I hope you can now enjoy some well-earned rest."
The UKISAR team deployed through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office following a request for assistance from Turkey, after it announced its highest level of state emergency.
The base of operations was established in Hatay province in southern Turkey.
The team is self-sufficient upon arrival and provides its own food, water, shelter, sanitation, communications and all necessary equipment to undertake search and rescue operations for up to 14 days. This is to ensure no additional burden is placed upon a country already suffering demands on its resources following a sudden onset disaster.