When someone goes missing, every second counts. In those crucial moments, Suffolk Lowland Search & Rescue (SuLSAR) are on call 365 days a year, with volunteers working against the clock to find missing persons as soon as possible. In order to do their job safely and effectively, they need the right tools.
We are proud to be supporting SuLSAR’s fundraising campaign for a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), a tool that could help locate missing persons underwater faster, safer and more accurately than ever before.
Who are SULSAR?
SuLSAR is a 100% volunteer-run specialist search and rescue team that supports police and emergency services across Suffolk and beyond. From remote countryside to urban waterways, their qualified team members can be called out 24/7 often in high-stress, time-sensitive emergencies.
They operate several types of search teams, including:
Licensed Search Technicians for foot searches.
Dog Teams with nationally qualified search dogs and handlers with several currently in training.
Water Search Capabilities including water search team members, kayaks, boat and SONAR equipment.
Drone Pilots with qualified pilots and observers.
4×4 Operational Support responsible for moving teams and equipment around on a search, as well as radio forwarding, fends off for road searching etc.
SuLSAR are 100% voluntary and rely solely on grants, individuals and companies like PCE Automation to raise funds and for donations to keep the organisation operational.
Why an ROV?
An ROV is a waterproof, remotely operated underwater vehicle equipped with a camera and search lights. It can be deployed in rivers, lakes and flood zones where visibility is poor or conditions are too dangerous for divers or boats.
An ROV will make a significant impact on SULSAR’s search and rescue efforts, including:
Faster Searches: It will help identify submerged objects quickly, reducing the time and risk in search operations.
Improved Safety: An ROV can operate in potentially hazardous water conditions, keeping volunteers safe.
Wider Reach: ROVs can operate in confined or inaccessible areas that traditional equipment cannot.
Without an ROV, SuLSAR would have to wait for specialist help or conduct slower, riskier manual searches. With time being such a crucial factor in search and rescue, this capability will make a real difference.
A Shared Vision
SuLSAR’s search and rescue work is underpinned by innovation, using tools such as drones, previous search data, and mapping technology to locate people quickly and effectively. These approaches reflect the same values of precision, technical excellence, and forward thinking that have long been part of PCE Automation’s ethos.
If you would like to join us supporting such an important cause, there are several ways you can help:
Donate: Every pound helps. Visit sulsar.org.uk to contribute directly or join our efforts and donate directly to SuLSAR.
Spread the Word: Share SuLSAR’s story with your network.
Get Involved: Whether through fundraising or volunteering, your support can make a life-changing difference.
No one ever expects a loved one to go missing – but when it happens, SuLSAR answers the call, day or night, rain or shine.
Stepping in to Help
Our local community is important to us, and this year we dedicated one of our biggest charity events, as well as a dedicated company-wide challenge to raising vital funds for SuLSAR’s ROV campaign.
In May, a large team of determined PCE Automation employees took on the National Three Peaks Challenge, scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in under 24 hours. It was physically and mentally demanding but every step was driven by our commitment to supporting the volunteers who risk so much to help others in need.
Then in June, we hosted our Annual Charity Golf Day, bringing together colleagues for a day of friendly competition, fundraising and community spirit. The event not only raised significant funds to top off what was raised in the Three Peaks Challenge but it also helped raise awareness of SuLSAR’s incredible work.
From these two events alone we managed to raise the £13,500 target to acquire the ROV. This donation formed part of our ongoing pledge to help SuLSAR, in memory of Sarah Cook.
We’re very proud to stand behind the volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, and compassion to saving lives across Suffolk and beyond helping to make a difference.
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