Gosport MP meets volunteers at rescue service

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage went to the headquarters of the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service.

Founded in 1969, the service, based at Stokes Bay, is an independent search and rescue facility covering the Solent and Portsmouth Harbour.

The meeting gave Ms Dinenage with the opportunity to learn more about Gafirs and the work they do.

She said: ‘Having long been a supporter of Gafirs it is fantastic to finally see first-hand the Stokes Bay hub where they launch their search-and-rescue vessels and vehicles in times of emergency.

‘I was extremely impressed by the professionalism of the team, the equipment and the headquarters.’

She added: ‘I would like to pay tribute to the dedication and determination of those Gafirs volunteers who keep us safe while we enjoy our wonderful coastal location.

‘They have played an incredibly important role in recent emergency situations where people have been in distress on the water, clearly demonstrating how much our area relies upon this unit.’

Gafirs is funded entirely by donations which are used to pay for emergency lifeboat and rescue services.

All of the crew are volunteers and give up their time to help others in distress in, on or near water.

To learn more about the service or to make a donation visit their website at gafirs.org.uk or follow them on Twitter @Gafirs.