MINE RESCUE VOLUNTEERS VISIT SOUTH CROFTY

Volunteers from Cornwall Mine Rescue have visited South Crofty Mine as part of regular familiarisation training.

Fifteen men and women from the team spent several hours underground with South Crofty tin miner Keith Russ who led them down the labyrinth of tunnels pointing out features of particular interest along the way.

‘It’s very important for our members to get used to the mine environment,’ said Training Officer and Vice Chairman Darren Osborne.  ‘We have been called out three times so far this year – on the last occasion to help look for a man who was reported missing in St Ives in November.

‘We carry out about six full exercises a year and then do regular mine tours like this one whenever we can. Rescue training includes first aid, spinal management, rope access, communication, rigging work and casualty handling.’

As well being called upon by the police to assist in searches for missing people, the team also works with the RSPCA when dogs and other animals get trapped in shafts.

Most of the volunteers live in the Camborne, Pool, Redruth area but others do come from as far afield as St Austell.

‘Cornwall Mine Rescue provides a vital service to the county and we are always pleased to welcome them to South Crofty,’ said Kevin Williams, Managing Director of Baseresult Holdings, the company that owns the mine.  ‘They were very interested in the work that we are doing at the moment and in our plans for the site.  They clearly enjoyed their visit.’

For further information about Cornwall Mine Rescue, please contact Darren Osborne on 07737391332.

2 January 2007