Incident 73/2012

Whilst on attendance at the Joint Foundation Course, (See news report dated Sunday 14th October 2012) at circa 11.55hrs, The North West Air Operations Group (Police) Air Support Unit helicopter from Greater Manchester Police, was called out to an incident at Healey Dell, Rochdale, concerning the report of a body found there.

Subsequently Rossendale and Pendle MRT were requested to attend this same incident, with some of their members, including their Team Leader Peter Goble, responding directly from the Joint Foundation Course.

At circa 12.20hrs, our Team Leader Garry Rhodes MBE whilst at the same Joint Foundation Course, received a call from Peter Goble requesting that Bolton MRT Water Team members already present at the course, respond to assist RPMRT recover the body from the shallow river that runs through Healey Dell.

Bolton MRT Team members Elaine Gilliland, John Fletcher, John Dickinson and Steve Fletcher, all equipped with full appropriate water PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) departed the Joint Foundation Course for the incident at 12.30hrs in our Land Rover Mountain Rescue Ambulance ‘BM3,’ with RPMRT member Paul Heywood on board acting as navigator to the incident.

Our Deputy Team Leader Geoff Seddon, who heads up our integral water team, also responded collecting our 3.5m semi rigid inflatable SAR Boat from our Ladybridge Hall Base / HQ.

Upon arrival at the incident 13.21hrs, our members with Paul Heywood, met with responding RPMRT members and GMFRS resources, including their Water Incident Unit from Heywood Fire Station.

Very shortly afterwards, at 13.25hrs, our four members present, along with Paul Heywood were stood down as not required, and returned to the Joint Foundation Course.

Our Deputy Team Leader Geoff Seddon was similarly stood down responding.

It is our understanding that the body was recovered by GMFRS resources on scene.