A search and rescue group are in need of funds to help struggling families solve missing persons cases.
Dylan founded Ireland Search and Rescue on January 11, as previous plans to create the rescue organisation were scuppered by the pandemic. Volunteers are primarily based in Dublin, although they also assist with searches nationwide.
The group recently provided support to the family of Thomas Flood, who went missing in Howth last month. Dylan explained that Thomas' family funded search operations out of their own pockets, which puts considerable financial strain on people at an already emotional time.
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He told Dublin Live: "We're looking to get businesses to donate to our campaign as they would have a higher level of income than individuals would. If a company gave us €500 and then another business was to match the amount, that would be fantastic."
The group is in need of a drone to help them carry out searches, particularly on the coastline. Dylan explained that volunteers often abseil into caves when conducting searches for people near the sea, an extremely risky rescue method for a limited five member team.
The use of a drone would help facilitate easier searches going forward. Dylan also said that obtaining simple items for volunteers, such as protective gloves for combing through gorse, has proved challenging as costs soar.
He explained: "We need things like combat pants to protect the legs, as well as boots and hard shell jackets. The reality is that businesses aren't able to donate these items because everything has gone up in price and everyone is struggling from week in to week out."
Ireland Search and Rescue has launched a GoFundMe in order to fund a drone for their future work. The target is €1000, as the group are looking to secure a drone with a longer battery life to withstand searches.
Dylan is also actively looking to expand the existing team and get more volunteers onboard. Further information about Ireland Search and Rescue and their fundraiser is available via Facebook.
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