Bay Search and Rescue Team - Morecambe Bay, Cumbria

Equipment

Hagglunds Bv 206 All-terrain Vehicle

The Bay Search and Rescue Team (formerly Bay Hovercraft Rescue) founded in 2001 was the first SAR Team in the U.K. to use a hovercraft as a front line rescue vehicle. Supported by two Argo all terrain buggies, it consistently proved its worth, being able to operate where conventional search and rescue craft could not travel. In 2005 they were replaced by a Hagglund Bv206 articulated tracked all terrain vehicle.The Hagglund is a more versatile vehicle for our type of operations and allows us to transport more personnel and equipment than was previously possible, as well as providing a search 'platform' and enabling us to rapidly and safely evacuate casualties, including those on stretchers, from the Bay into the care of the Ambulance service. The Hagglund was originally designed for military use in snow (read more) but it was soon proven to be as versatile in many other conditions and as well as a personnel carrier we have found it to be a unique and powerful recovery vehicle in hostile environments.

Hagglund Bv 206

Specifications

Manufacturer: Hagglunds Vehicle AB
Seating capacity: (front unit) 6 (rear unit) 12
Weight: (empty) 4,490 kg (loaded) 6,740 kg
Weight of front unit: (front unit) 2,740 kg (rear unit) 1,730 kg
Max load: 2,250 kg (rear unit) 1,640 kg
Towed load: 2,500 kg
Length: 6.9 m Width: 1.87 m
Height: 2.4 m Ground clearance: 0.35 m
Track width: 620 mm
Max speed: (road) 52 km/h (water) 3 km/h
Max gradient: (hard surface) 45 degrees
Fording: amphibious
Range: (roads) 300 km
Engine: Mercedes-Benz OM 603.950 2.996 litre 6-cylinder diesel developing 136 hp at 4,600 rpm
Gearbox: Daimler-Benz W4A-040 fully automatic with torque converter, with 4 forward and 1 reverse gears
Transfer box: Hagglunds 2 speed
Steering: articulated hydrostatic
Turning radius: 8 m (6 m with pitch control)
Electrical system: 24 V
Batteries: 2 x 12 V, 105 Ah

Military Service

More than 10,000 in military service in 16 countries. UK (600 for Army, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force) Brazil, Canada (100), Chile, China, Finland (400), France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands (200), Norway (2,200), Pakistan, Singapore (300), Spain, Sweden (4,500), and US Army (approximately 1,100). - back to top

History

In 1974, the Swedish Army ordered a new over-snow/all-terrain vehicle to succeed the Volvo Bv 202. After extensive trials, production began in 1981. The British Army purchased purchased Bv 206s to replace older Bv 202 vehicles then in service with the Army and Royal Marines. A further order for diesel-engined vehicles for the Royal Marines was placed in March 1990. The Bv 206 consists of two tracked units linked together with a steering unit. All four track assemblies are identical and interchangeable. The tracks are rubber with integral steel reinforcements. Steering is accomplished by changing the direction between the front and rear unit by two hydraulic cylinders, servo-controlled from a conventional steering wheel. The steering unit is designed to permit a large freedom of movement between the two bodies. The engine and transmission are mounted in the front unit. The bodies are made of Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP), which is fire resistant, with PVC foam insulation. Each body is a closed box with integrated roll-over protection. The Bv 206 is fully amphibious, being propelled in the water by its tracks. - back to top

Leyland Daf T244 4x4 Truck

This ex-military 16 ton drop side cargo truck came from UK Army Reserve stock and had only done 500 miles when we got it. It is used primarily along with a twin axle low loader trailer to transport the Hagglund when it is deployed away from the immediate area around the Station. Although the Hagglund is road legal it will only reach about 30mph and it would simply take too long to travel any distance. The truck can safely and quickly transport the Hagglund on its trailer along with 2 or 3 crew wherever it is required. It also carries a inflatable rescue boat and other heavy rescue equipment. As well as this it is a rescue and recovery vehicle in its own right and with far more ground clearance and four wheel drive is a very useful platform in adverse weather, off road and flood conditions.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Leyland Daf
Seating capacity: 2 or 3
Weight: 16,260 kg
Max load: approx 4,200 kg
Length: 6.65 m Width: 2.5 m
Height: 3.43 m
Engine: Cummins 5.9 litre turbo diesel 145hp
Gearbox: Turner T5-350, with 5 forward and 1 reverse gears
Electrical system: 24 V

Landrover 4x4 Ambulance

For general use as well as rapid transportation of personnel and their PPE further afield we have a Landrover 110 4x4. This is also used as an ambulance if casualties require evacuation from an off road situation where the Hagglund is not required. It carries all the ropes, pulleys, throwlines and PPE equipment that our Swift Water Rescue Technicians require for river and flood operations.

Communications

Radios - The team is predominantly responsible and needs to be in contact at all times with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (what used be known as HM Coastguard) and operates Marine VHF licensed frequency radios. These are either waterproof handheld iCom radios used when away from our vehicles, or more powerful fixed iCom radios in the vehicles and at our Headquarters. As well as maritime and emergency channels the team has a license to also operate a secure channel for operational team communications. The latest radios were purchased with a grant from O2 and their itsyourcommunity scheme.

GPS - The team uses handheld Garmin GPS receivers for on foot use, and bigger Garmin GPS units in the vehicles. We are also testing a GIS (Geographical Information System) with support from a major UK software developer ESRI. This consists of a tablet PC used in our Hagglund wich contains various scales of Ordnance Survey maps, which as well as being a super detailed satnav system also allows us to actually input data onto the maps, such as danger areas in the bay, main river channels etc which are not fixed geographical objects. - back to top

Medical & Specialist Equipment

Medical - We carry a range of medical equipment on our vehicles. These include comprehensive first aid kits, resucitation equipment and different types of stretchers.

Specialist - our operating area presents a number of challenges and we carry equipment specifically for certain types of incidents. These include inflatable rescue boats, a 10 metre inflatable working platform/walkway which can be deployed quickly when inflated with compressed air and provides a stable and safe base to work from on mud, quicksand and water. Other equipment includes; nightvision viewers for searches in the dark, heavy duty searchlights, mud boards, vehicle and heavy recovery equipment and bolt cutters. - back to top

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

Personal safety is vital at all times if we are to be able to operate effectively and professionally. All team members are issued with appropriate PPE for the operation undertaken. This includes: drysuits for working in water, breathable waterproof clothing for foul weather conditions, hi-visability overalls and jackets for general work, fleece underlayers, safety boots for work on sands, neoprene gloves, PFDs (Personal Flotation devices) commonly called buoyancy aids fitted with quick release harnesses and rescue knives for river and shoreline work, gas inflation life jackets for offshore and deep water use, personal first aid kits, safety helmets, torches and head torches, throwbags, long distance throwlines, handheld GPS, handheld VHF radios and night vision equipment. - back to top